Ten Coffee Beans Fresh Myths That Aren't Always True
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana that is left on the counter coffee beans are prone to going bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
You can preserve the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. Air, moisture and heat are your beans' greatest enemies!
How to store coffee beans
It's no secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. In order to get the most flavor out of your beans, it's essential to store them in a proper manner. Despite this, many are unsure of the best to go about it. Some people think they can simply put their beans in the fridge however this isn't the best way to go about it.
Keep your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. This will shield the beans from their most formidable enemies such as moisture, air and heat. Moisture and air can both ruin the beans' fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can also make them taste weaker. The heat can also degrade the aroma and flavor of the beans, and light (especially sunlight) can take away their natural shine, too.
It's not a wise idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They could absorb the flavors of other foods, such as onions and cheese in the fridge, which will alter the taste of your coffee. They may also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air.
Instead, think about storing 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, and then store it in a cool, dark location. This will also help the beans last for a longer time, 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, but this isn't a great 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 in a dark cabinet in an airtight, clear container.
If your beans don't come in a bag with an open valve, you'll need to transfer them to the container that is sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. The fridge could also be too cold for the coffee, which could affect its taste.
Moisture, heat, and air are the primary enemies of coffee bean. To preserve the freshness and quality of your coffee beans store them in an opaque container (not transparent), at the room temperature. The best place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, but an armoire or cabinet will also work. Storing coffee in the refrigerator can help extend its shelf life, but it isn't recommended. It could alter the flavor of your brew and even cause them to deteriorate quicker due to its cold temperature. Additionally the food and moisture odors in the fridge can also damage your beans.
Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry
After the seal of the packaging has been broken on your beans, it's recommended to keep them in a dark area 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 heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your coffee beans in a cabinet next to an oven or counters where they are exposed to direct sunlight isn't a good idea since these places could become extremely hot and accelerate oxidation.
Moisture is often a major aspect, since beans absorb moisture in the air. This can dilute the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat because the bean can degrade the molecular structures which give them their aromas and flavors. Heating also strips the beans of their natural oils, which causes them to lose taste.
If you keep your beans in the resealable, one-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight container that is similar, they will stay fresh for approximately a week. You can keep them longer in the fridge however, be aware that they may be prone to freezer burn or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.
Storing coffee beans in the freezer
If you're spending $20 or more for an expensive bag of coffee beans, you need to know how long they'll last and what the best ways are to keep them. Coffee is sponges that absorb aromas, moisture and flavors, so keeping it in a cool, dark place in a airtight opaque container can help keep the taste and aromas safe. You can also freeze the beans but it is recommended to put them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezer burn.
Although freezing isn't ideal, it can help if you have a limited time frame or you're on the road and want to bring along your favourite roast. The coffee beans that are frozen do not taste as fresh and have a weaker flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or pantry.
It is best to use the beans as soon as you can however, we may not always have the luxury of. Storing your coffee beans properly can extend their shelf-life by three times if you keep them in a cool dark location in an airtight container. So, give strong coffee beans (be sure to follow the instructions above carefully) you may be amazed by how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull, lifeless beans that have gone bad in the fridge or freezer.