Blog entry by Keira Estevez
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana thrown on the counter coffee beans are prone to going bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh roast taste for a few weeks by following these simple guidelines. Your beans' greatest enemies are air, moisture, and heat!
How to store coffee beans
It's no secret, coffee beans degrade rapidly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, you have to store them in a proper manner. However, a lot of people are unsure of the best to store them. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the refrigerator, but this isn't actually the best method for doing it.
The key is storing your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperatures. This will protect your beans from the most formidable enemies that are moisture, air, and heat. The air can strip the beans of their fresh roasted flavor, and moisture can dilute them too. The heat can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also diminish the natural shine of the beans.
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 affect the taste of your espresso. They can also be exposed to condensation and moisture due to the cold air in the refrigerator.
Consider storing your beans either in the container that you originally used or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to eliminate all the air from the bag before sealing it again, and then store it in a dark, cool location. This method will also help the beans last a bit longer, however it is recommended to use them within 72 hours of roasting.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge
A majority of people keep their beans in the refrigerator, but it's not the best idea. Coffee beans stored in the fridge absorb odors and moisture from food items, which will negatively impact their flavor. The ideal place to store your coffee is in a dark cabinet with an airtight, transparent container.
If your beans aren't in a coffee bag equipped with a single-way valve, you'll need to move them into the container that is sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. It's important to keep in mind that the fridge may be a bit cold for coffee beans near me, which may impact its taste.
The main enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To maintain the freshness of your beans, place them in a container that is opaque (not transparent), at room temperature. The ideal place to store them is a dark, cool pantry, but cabinets or wardrobes will also work. Storing coffee in a refrigerator will extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the flavor of your coffee and cause it to go through a stale-like process faster. Additionally the food and moisture smells from the fridge can also damage your beans.
Storing coffee beans in the Pantry
After the seal of the packaging has been broken on the beans, it's best to keep them in a dark location at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma and freshness of your coffee for a prolonged period (depending on how much oxygen or heat is absorbed by the beans). Storing your beans in a cupboard near an oven or kitchen counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't the ideal option because these areas can get very hot and accelerate oxidation.
Moisture is a significant aspect, since beans can absorb moisture in the air. This can reduce the natural flavors. Also, heat can accelerate oxidation because the bean can alter the molecular structure which creates their aromas. Also, heat strips the bean of their natural oils, which causes them to lose flavor.
If you store your beans in the resealable single-way valve bag they came in or in an airtight container that is equivalent, they will stay fresh for about a week. They can last longer if you store them in the freezer, but you should be aware because the beans might be affected by freezer burn and they may also absorb odors from food that are floating around in the freezer them.
Storing coffee beans in the freezer
If you're paying 20 dollars or more for the finest coffee beans it's important to be aware of how long they'll keep and what the best methods are to store them. 500G Coffee beans absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors which is why placing it in an opaque airtight container in a cool, dark area will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans, but be careful when doing this, it's best to transfer them to the inside of a Ziploc bag prior to freezing in order to avoid freezing burn.
Although freezing isn't ideal, it can be helpful if you have a limited amount of time or if you're planning to travel and bring along your favorite roast. Frozen coffee beans near me beans are not as fresh and have a less pronounced flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.
As you can see, it's ideal to use your coffee beans lickety-splitt but sometimes we just don't have that luxury. If you keep your barista coffee beans beans in a dark, cold space in a dark, airtight container their shelf life can be extended by as much as 3 times. So, give it a try (be sure to follow the instructions above carefully) you might be surprised at how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and uninteresting beans that went bad in the fridge or freezer.