How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Similar to a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans can go bad. This is due to oxidation, and the loss of volatile soluble flavor compounds.

You can preserve the fresh roast flavor for Coffeebeans a few weeks by following these simple guidelines. Your beans' worst enemies are moisture, air and heat!

How do you store coffee beans

It's no secret, coffee beans degrade quickly. To maximize the flavor of your beans, it's essential to store them in a proper manner. Many people aren't sure how to go about this, though. Some people believe that they can simply put their beans in the fridge. This isn't the most efficient method.

Keep your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. This will protect your beans from their most formidable enemies: air, moisture, and heat. Moisture and air can both take away the beans' fresh-roasted flavor, and the moisture can make them less flavorful. The heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can destroy their natural shine, too.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator can be more harmful than beneficial. They can absorb the flavors and odors of other food items in the refrigerator, like onions and cheese that can adversely affect the flavor of your coffee. They could also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the refrigerator's cold air.

Consider storing your beans either in the container that you originally used or in a plastic bag that can be resealable. Make sure to push out all the air prior to sealing the bag again, and store it in a cool, dark and dry place. This can also make the beans last a little longer, but the best time to use them is within 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing coffee beans in the Fridge

Many people store their coffee beans in their refrigerators however this isn't the best idea. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb food smells and moisture and can alter their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is the dark cabinet, with an airtight, opaque and airtight container.

A coffee bag with an one-way valve can work just fine in the fridge However, if your beans aren't in this type of packaging you'll need to transfer them to a tightly sealed and opaque container, like a glass canister or the coffee beans online Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge can also be too cold for the coffee, and this can alter the taste of the coffee.

The primary enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To maintain the freshness of your coffee beans, place them in an opaque container (not transparent) at temperatures that are at room temperature. A cool, dark pantry is the ideal place to store them, but a closet or cupboard is also acceptable. Storing coffee in the refrigerator will help extend the shelf life of your coffee, but it isn't recommended. It can affect the flavors of your coffee and make them stale more quickly due to the cold temperature. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator can affect the coffee beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

Once the packaging seal is broken on your beans, it's best to store 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 some time (depending on the amount of exposure to oxygen, heat and moisture). Storing your beans in a cupboard near an oven or counters where they are exposed to direct sunlight isn't the ideal idea since these places could become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is one of the main reasons because the beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can reduce their natural flavors. Also, heat can accelerate oxidation because the bean can break the molecular structure that creates their distinctive aromas. Also, heat deprives the bean of its natural oils, causing them to lose their flavor.

If you are able to keep your beans in their resealable, one-way valve bag that they came from or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then the freshness will last about a week before they begin to decay. You can keep them longer in the refrigerator, 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 dollars or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it's crucial to determine the best method of storing them. Coffee absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors therefore storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark space will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze the beans, however, it is advised to put them in the form of a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezing burn.

Although freezing isn't a good idea, it is a good option if have a limited period of time, or if you're traveling and wish to bring along your favorite roast. However, coffee bean shop near me beans that have been frozen aren't as fresh and will have a more bland flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

It is recommended to consume the beans as soon as you can, but we don't always have that luxury coffee beans. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cold place in an opaque airtight container their shelf life can be extended by as much as 3 times. So go ahead and give it a shot (be sure to follow the directions above carefully) you might be amazed at how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and lifeless beans that went bad in the freezer or fridge.