How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana thrown on the counter, coffee beans can go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is that you can preserve fresh roast flavors for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' greatest enemies!

How to keep coffee beans in storage

It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade rapidly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Many people are confused on how to best coffee beans in the world do this, though. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the fridge however this isn't the most efficient way to do it.

The key is storing your beans in an airtight and transparent container at room temperatures. This will protect the beans from their greatest enemies that are moisture, air, and heat. Moisture and air can both cause beans to lose their fresh coffee beans near me-roasted flavor, and the moisture can make them less flavorful. Heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) will also reduce their natural shine.

It is not a good idea to keep coffee beans in your refrigerator. They can absorb the flavors of other food items, like onions and cheese in the refrigerator which could alter the taste of your coffee. They could also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the refrigerator's cold air.

It is possible to store your beans in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure you push out all the air prior sealing the bag, and keep it in a cool, dark location. This will allow the beans to last a bit longer, however it is recommended to use them within 72 hours after roasting.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

The majority of people store their beans in the fridge but this isn't the best idea. Coffee beans in the fridge absorb odors from food and water which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is in a dark cabinet in an airtight, clear container.

A coffee bag with an one-way valve can work just fine in the fridge however if your beans weren't packaged in this type of container, it is necessary to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container such as a glass jar or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, which may affect the taste.

The primary enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To ensure the freshness of your coffee beans, place them in an opaque container (not transparent), at ambient temperature. A cool, dark pantry is a great storage space, however a closet or cupboard can also be used. Storing coffee in the fridge can help prolong the shelf life of your coffee, but it's not recommended. The cold temperature can alter the taste of your coffee, causing it to get stale faster. Additionally, the moisture and food smells that are present in the fridge could cause damage to your beans.

Storing coffee beans in the Pantry

When the seal on the packaging is broken on your beans, it's best to store them in a dark area at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on the amount of oxygen, heat, or moisture is absorbed by the beans). Storing your beans in a cabinet close to an oven or counters that are exposed to direct sunlight isn't the best idea since these places could become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a significant factor, as the beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of the process of oxidation as the bean may destroy the molecular structure that gives them their aromas. Heating also deprives the bean of its natural oils, causing the flavor to fade away.

If you store your beans in a resealable one-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight, opaque container, they will stay fresh for approximately one week. They can be kept longer in the fridge, but be cautious as they may suffer from freezer burns or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you're spending $20 or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, Coffee Beans Fresh it's essential to know the best method of storing the beans. Coffee absorbs aromas, moisture and flavors therefore storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place will help to preserve the flavor. You can also freeze the beans, but it is recommended to place them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezing burn.

While it's not ideal however, it can be beneficial if you are short on time or are traveling and would like to take some of your favorite coffee with you. However, coffee beans that have been frozen aren't as fresh and will have a more muted flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

As you can see it's ideal to use your coffee beans with a single hand, but sometimes you do not have the luxury of. If you keep your coffee beans in a dark, cool container that is airtight and opaque container their shelf life can be extended by as much as three times. So, give it a try (be sure to follow the directions above carefully) you might be surprised by how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and uninteresting beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.