How to Keep Your coffee beans fresh (Suggested Browsing)

Similar to a banana left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans turn bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile.

You can preserve the fresh roasted coffee beans flavor for a couple of weeks by following a few simple tips. The most formidable enemies of beans are moisture, air and heat!

How to Store Coffee Beans

It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade quickly. To ensure the best flavor from your beans, you have to store them in a proper manner. However, a lot of people are confused as to how best to do it. Some people think that they can put their beans into the fridge. This isn't the most efficient method.

Keep your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will protect the beans from their most formidable enemies that are moisture, air, and heat. The air can strip the beans of their fresh-roasted taste, and moisture can dilute the beans as well. The heat can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull their natural shine.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator can be more harmful than useful. They can absorb the flavors and odors from other foods in the refrigerator, such as cheese and onions that can adversely affect the taste of your coffee. They could also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air.

Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they came in, or in a bag that can be resealable. Make sure to remove all air from the bag before resealing it, and store it in a cool, dark space. This will also make the beans last for a longer time, but the best time to use them is 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

Many people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator but this isn't the best idea. Coffee beans stored in the fridge absorb odors and moisture from food items which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is a dark cabinet, sealed with an airtight, clear container.

A coffee bag with a one-way valve works perfectly in the fridge however if the beans weren't packaged in this type of packaging you'll need to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, such as a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important that you note that the fridge may be a little too cold for coffee, which can affect the taste of the coffee.

Moisture, air and heat are the primary enemies of coffee beans. To keep their freshness and roast, you should keep your beans in an airtight and opaque (not transparent) container at the temperature of room. A dark, cool and cool pantry is the best location to store them however a closet or cupboard can also be used. The storage of coffee in the fridge will extend the shelf life of your coffee, but it's not recommended. It can alter the taste of your beverage and make them stale faster due to its cold temperature. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator can also damage your coffee beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

Once the seal on the packaging on your beans has broken, it's best to store them in a dark area at the temperature of room and in an airtight container. This will help preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a prolonged period (depending on the amount of oxygen, heat, or moisture is exposed to the beans). Storing your coffee beans in an oven or kitchen counter space that is exposed to direct sunlight can be an undesirable idea. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate oxidation.

Moisture is often a major factor Coffee beans fresh in the bean's flavor, since it are able to absorb moisture from the air. This can dilute the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat, as beans break down the molecular structures that give them their aromas and flavors. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose their taste.

If you can keep your beans in their one-way valve bag that is resealable and resealable that they came in, or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then the freshness will last around a week or so before they begin to degrade. They will last longer if they are placed in the freezer, but you must be cautious because the beans might be prone to freezer burn and they can also absorb odors from food that are floating around in the freezer with them.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you are spending $20 or more on bags of premium coffee beans, it is important to know the best method to store the beans. Coffee is like a sponge and can absorb aromas, moisture and flavors. Therefore, keeping it in a cool dark location in an airtight, opaque container will help keep the flavor protected. You can also freeze the beans, but it is recommended to store them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezing burn.

While freezing isn't the best option, it is a good option if have a limited period of time, or if you're on the road and want to bring along your favourite roast. However, the coffee beans that are frozen will not be as fresh and will have a more mild flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

As you can see it's ideal to use your coffee beans as a whole but sometimes we do not have the luxury of. Storing your coffee beans properly can prolong their shelf-life by up to three times if you keep them in a dark, cold place in a sealed airtight container. Give it a shot (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you may be amazed by how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and lifeless beans that rotted in the freezer or fridge.