How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Just like a banana that's left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans go bad. This is due to oxidation and the loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is that you can preserve the fresh flavors for up to a week with a few simple tips. Your beans' greatest enemies are air, moisture, and heat!

How to keep coffee beans in storage

It's not a secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To maximize the flavor of your beans, it's essential to properly store them. Despite this, many are confused as to how best to go about it. Some people think they can simply put their beans in the fridge but that's not the most efficient way to do it.

Store your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. This will shield your beans from the two biggest enemies: moisture and air. The air can strip the beans of their fresh coffee beans roasted flavor and moisture can weaken the beans' flavor. Also, heat can destroy the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect the natural shine of the beans.

It's not a good idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They can absorb the flavor and odors of other foods in the refrigerator, including cheese and onions that can adversely affect the flavor of your coffee. They could also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the refrigerator's cold air.

Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they came in or in a resealable bag. Be sure to remove all air from the bag before sealing it again, and then store it in a cool, dark location. This will also make the beans last a bit longer, however the best time to use them is within 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing coffee beans in the Fridge

Most people store their beans in the refrigerator but it's not an ideal idea. Coffee beans in the fridge absorb moisture and food odors and can negatively affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight, transparent container.

If your beans don't come in a coffee bag with a one-way valve, you'll have to move them into a container that is tightly sealed and opaque, such as the coffee beans 1kg Gator canister. It's important to note that the fridge might be a little too cold for coffee, which may alter the taste.

The main enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To keep the freshness of your roasted beans, store them in a dark container (not transparent) at temperatures that are at room temperature. A cool, fresh roasted coffee beans dark pantry is a great location to store them, however a closet or cupboard can also be used. Storing coffee in the refrigerator will help extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. It can alter the taste of your beverage and make them stale more quickly due to the cold temperature. The smells of food and water in the refrigerator could damage your coffee beans.

Storing starbucks coffee beans Beans in the Pantry

Once the seal has been broken on your beans, it's recommended to keep the beans in a dark space at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a time (depending on the amount of exposure to heat, oxygen, and moisture). The storage of your coffee beans near an oven or kitchen counter, or any other space that is exposed to direct sunlight could be a bad idea. These areas can become very hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a big one because the beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can dilute their natural flavors. Oxidation also accelerates with heat as the bean has the ability to break down the molecular structures that give them their flavors and aromas. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils and causes the flavor to fade away.

If you are able to keep your beans in their sealed, resealable bag that they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then freshness should last for around a week or so before they begin to deteriorate. They will last longer if you place them in the freezer, however you must be cautious as the beans may be prone to freezer burn and they may also absorb food odors that are floating around in the freezer them.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you are spending $20 or more on a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it's essential to know the best way to store them. Coffee absorbs aromas, flavors, and moisture and placing it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool area will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans but be careful if you decide to do this, make sure to transfer them to a Ziploc bag prior to freezing in order to avoid burning in the freezer.

While freezing isn't ideal but it is a good option when you're running out of time or travel and wish to take a cup of your favorite coffee with you. coffee beans costa beans that are frozen aren't as fresh roasted coffee beans and have a less intense flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or pantry.

As you can see, it's ideal to use your coffee beans lickety-splitt but sometimes we aren't able to afford that. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cool space in a dark, airtight container and their shelf life could be extended up to three times. Give your coffee a try (be sure to follow the above guidelines carefully) you might be surprised at how much better the flavor of your coffee is compared to the dull and fresh roasted coffee beans lifeless beans that were rotten in the freezer or fridge.