Five Things You've Never Learned About Coffee Beans Fresh
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Similar to 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.
You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following some simple tips. Air, moisture and heat are your beans' worst enemies!
How do you keep coffee beans in storage
It's not a secret that coffee beans degrade quickly. To ensure the best flavor from your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Many people aren't sure how to best do this, however. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the refrigerator 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 the greatest threats such as moisture, air and heat. Air can rob the beans of their fresh roasted flavor and moisture can weaken the beans' flavor. The heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can destroy their natural shine as well.
It's not a good idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They could absorb the flavors of other food items, like onions and cheese in the fridge and alter the taste of your espresso. They are also exposed by the cool air in the refrigerator to condensation and moisture.
Instead, you can store your beans in the container they came in, or in a resealable bag. Be sure to remove all the air prior to sealing the bag again, and store it in cool, dark place. This will also aid in keeping the beans fresh a bit longer, however the best time to use them is within 72 hours after roasting.
Storing coffee beans in the Fridge
A majority of people keep their beans in the fridge but it's not a good idea. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb the smells of food and moisture and can affect their flavor. The ideal place to store your coffee is the dark cabinet, with an airtight and opaque container.
A coffee bag with one-way valves will work just fine in the refrigerator, but if your beans didn't come in this type of packaging you'll have to transfer them to a tightly sealed and opaque container such as a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, which may affect the taste.
Moisture, heat, and air are the main enemies of coffee beans. To ensure the freshness of your coffee beans, keep them in an opaque container (not transparent), at room temperature. The best place to keep them is a cool, dark pantry, but an armoire or cabinet can also be used. The storage of coffee in the fridge can help extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the flavor of your coffee, causing it to go through a stale-like process faster. The smells of food and the moisture in the refrigerator can harm your coffee beans.
Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry
Once the packaging seal on your beans has broken, it is recommended to keep them in a dark place at room temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the extent of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). It is best to store your coffee beans close to an oven, kitchen counter or other space that is exposed to direct sunlight may be not a good idea. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.
Moisture can be a significant element, as beans absorb moisture in the air. This can weaken the natural flavors. It can also accelerate oxidation because the bean can break the molecular structure that creates their distinctive aromas. The heat also strips the beans of its natural oils, which causes them to lose flavor.
If you're able to keep your beans in the bags that are resealable, one-way valves which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, the freshness will last approximately a week before they begin to decay. You can store them longer in the refrigerator, but be careful as they could be prone to freezer burn or absorb any odors of food in the fridge.
Storing coffee beans in the freezer
If you're spending 20 bucks or more to purchase a premium bag of coffee beans, it's essential to be aware of how long they'll keep and what the best ways are to store them. Coffee is like sponges and absorbs moisture, aromas, and flavors so keeping it in a cool, dark space in an airtight container will help keep the flavor safe. You can also freeze the beans, but it is recommended to put them in the form of a Ziploc bag first to avoid burning in the freezer.
Although freezing isn't coffee beans manchester , it can be beneficial in the event that you're strapped for time or you are traveling and want to take a cup of your favorite coffee with you. However, the coffee beans that are frozen will not be as fresh and will have a less subtle flavor than beans that are properly stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.
It's best to use the beans as quickly as you can however, we don't always have the luxury of. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cool location in an airtight, opaque container, their shelf life can be extended by as much as three times. You may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste in comparison to beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.