Mathew Deshotel

How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans also go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is you can preserve your fresh medium roast coffee beans flavors for up to a week with a few simple guidelines. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air and heat!

How to keep coffee beans in storage

It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade rapidly. In order to get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to properly store them. Many people are confused about the best way to do this, however. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the refrigerator however this isn't the best way to go about it.

Keep your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will protect your beans from the most formidable enemies which are air, moisture and heat. The air can rob beans of their fresh roasted flavor and moisture can weaken the beans as well. 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 a refrigerator could be more harmful than beneficial. They can absorb the flavor and odors of other food items that are stored in the refrigerator like cheese and onions, which will negatively impact the taste of your coffee. They may also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the cold air in the refrigerator.

Instead, think about storing your beans in the container they were packaged in or in a resealable bag. Make sure to remove all air from the bag prior to sealing it, and store it in a dark, cool place. This will allow the beans last longer, but it is recommended to consume them within 72 hours after roasting.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

The majority of people store their beans in the refrigerator but this isn't an ideal idea. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb moisture and food smells which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cupboard with an airtight and opaque container.

If your beans don't come in a bag with a one way valve, you'll have to transfer them to a container that is tightly sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, which may alter the taste of the coffee.

Air, heat and moisture are the main enemies of top 10 coffee beans beans. To ensure the freshness of your beans, place them in a dark container (not transparent), at the room temperature. The ideal place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however an armoire or cabinet could also work. It is not recommended to keep coffee in the refrigerator. It will extend its shelf-life, but you may want to test it. It could alter the flavor of your brew and even make them stale faster due to its cold temperature. The moisture and food smells in the refrigerator can affect the coffee beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

Once the seal on the packaging on the beans is broken, it is best to keep the beans in a dark, dry place at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your specialty coffee beans for a prolonged period (depending on the amount of oxygen or heat is exposed to the beans). Storing your coffeee beans in a cupboard near an oven or kitchen counters where they are exposed to direct sunlight isn't a good idea because these places can become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a big one because beans can absorb moisture from the air, and this could alter the natural flavors. Oxidation also accelerates with heat, as beans destroy the molecular structure that provide them with their flavors and aromas. The heat also strips the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose their flavor.

If you keep your beans in the resealable single-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight opaque container that is similar in size, they'll be fresh for approximately one week. They can go longer if they are placed in the freezer, however you must be cautious since the beans may suffer from freezer burn, and they can also absorb odors from food that are floating around in the freezer them.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you're spending $20 or more for a bag of gourmet unroasted coffee beans beans, it's crucial to determine the best method of storing the beans. Coffee is sponges that absorb moisture, aromas and flavors. Keeping it in a cool dark place in a airtight opaque container will help keep the flavor secure. You can also freeze the beans but it is best to store them in a Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid burns from freezing.

While freezing is not ideal it could be beneficial if you have a limited amount of time or if you're traveling and want to bring along your favorite roast. However, the coffee bean shop near me beans that are frozen will not be as fresh and will have a more muted flavor than beans that are properly stored in the fridge or in the pantry.

It is best to consume the beans as soon as you can however, we do not always have that luxury. Properly storing your coffee beans can prolong their shelf-life by at least three times if you're using them in a cold dark place in a sealed airtight container. You may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste when contrasted with beans that are rotten in the freezer or fridge.