Ten Myths About Coffee Beans Fresh That Aren't Always True
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Like a banana thrown on the counter coffee beans can go bad. This is due oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh roasted flavor for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. Your beans' greatest enemies are moisture, air, and heat!
How do you store coffee beans
It's not a secret that coffee beans go through a process of degradation quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Many people are confused on the best way to do this, though. Some people think that they can put their beans in the refrigerator. This isn't the most efficient method.
The key is storing your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperature. This will protect your beans from the most formidable enemies: air, moisture, and heat. Air can rob the beans of their fresh-roasted flavor and moisture could weaken them as well. Heat will also break down the aroma and flavor of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can destroy the natural shine of the beans as well.
It is not a good idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They may absorb the flavors and odors of other foods that are stored in the refrigerator like cheese and onions which can negatively affect the flavor of your coffee. They are also exposed to cold air from the refrigerator to condensation and moisture.
You may want to store your beans in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to eliminate all air from the bag prior to sealing it again, and then store it in a cool, dark place. This will allow the beans last a bit longer, however it is ideal to use them within 72 hours after roasting.
Storing cheap coffee beans in the Fridge
A majority of people keep their beans in the refrigerator but this isn't a good idea. Coffee beans stored in the fridge absorb odors and moisture from food items which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is the dark cabinet, with an airtight and opaque container.
If your beans aren't in a coffee bag equipped with a single-way valve, you will need to transfer them to a container that is tightly sealed and opaque, like the Coffee Gator canister. It's important to remember that the fridge might be a little cold for coffee, which may alter the taste.
Moisture, heat, and air are the primary enemies of coffee bean. To keep their freshness and roast, you should keep your beans in a airtight, opaque (not transparent) container at the room temperature. The best place to store them is a dark, cool pantry, but an armoire or cabinet will also work. Storing coffee in the fridge will help extend its shelf life, but it isn't recommended. The cold temperature can alter the flavor of your coffee, causing it to go through a stale-like process faster. In addition the food and moisture smells from the fridge can affect the beans.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry
When the seal on the packaging of the beans is broken, it is recommended to keep them in a dark location at room temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma and freshness of the coffee for a time (depending on the amount of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your coffee beans near an oven or kitchen counter space that is exposed to direct sunlight can be an unwise choice. These places can get very hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.
Moisture can be a major factor in the bean's flavor, since it can absorb moisture in the air. This can dilute the natural flavors. Oxidation also accelerates with heat because the bean can break down the molecular structures which give them their aromas and flavors. Also, heat deprives the bean of its natural oils and causes the flavor to fade away.
If you can keep your beans in the resealable, one-way valve bag that they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container then their freshness will last about a week before they begin to decay. They can last longer if you store them in the freezer, but you should be cautious as the beans may be prone to freezer burn and they may also absorb food odors that are floating around in the freezer along with them.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer
If you are spending $20 or more for bags of premium coffee beans, it is crucial to determine the best way to store the beans. Coffee is like sponges and can absorb moisture, aromas and flavors. Therefore, keeping it in a cool dark place in a airtight opaque container will keep the flavor secure. You can also freeze your beans but be cautious if you do this it's best to move them into the inside of a Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid freezer burn.
Although freezing isn't a good idea, it is a good option if have a limited amount of time or if you're planning to travel and bring along some of your favorite roast. The coffee beans that are frozen do not taste as fresh and have a weaker flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.
It's recommended to use your beans as soon as you can however, we don't always have the luxury of. If you keep your coffee beans in a dark, cool space in a dark, airtight container the shelf life of your coffee beans can be extended by as much as 3 times. You may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste compared to the beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.