The Secret Secrets Of Coffee Beans Fresh
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Just like a banana that's left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans also go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.
The good news is that you can preserve fresh flavors for some weeks by following a few easy guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' worst enemies!
How to store Coffee Beans
It's no secret that coffee beans lose their flavor quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Despite this, many are confused as to how best to store their beans. Some people believe that they can just put their beans in the refrigerator. This is not the most efficient method.
Keep your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will shield your beans from their most formidable enemies: moisture and air. Air can rob the beans of their fresh roasted flavor and moisture may weaken the beans as well. Heating can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect the natural shine of the beans.
It's not a great idea to keep coffee beans in the refrigerator. They may absorb the flavor of other foods like onions and cheese in the refrigerator which could alter the taste of your coffee. They may also be exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to condensation and moisture.
Consider storing your beans either in the container that you originally used or in a plastic bag that can be resealable. Make sure to remove all the air from the bag before resealing it, and store it in a dark, cool location. This will also help the beans last a little longer, but the best time to use them is within 72 hours after roasting.
Coffee beans are stored in the Fridge
Many people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator however this isn't the best idea. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb moisture and food smells and can alter their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is a dark cabinet that has an airtight, transparent container.
A coffee bag with a one-way valve works perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans aren't in this type of container, you'll need to move them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, like a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge can also be too cold for the coffee, and this can alter the taste of the coffee.
Moisture, air and heat are the main enemies of coffee beans. To ensure the freshness of your coffee beans keep them in a dark container (not transparent) at room temperature. A dark, cool, dark pantry is the best location to store them, however, a closet or cupboard can also work. Storing coffee in a refrigerator can help extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. It can alter the taste of your brew and even cause them to become stale more quickly due to the cold temperature. In addition the food and beverage odors in the fridge can also harm your beans.
Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry
Once the packaging seal on your beans has been broken, it is recommended to keep them in a dark area at temperatures of room temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the extent of exposure to oxygen, heat, and moisture). It is best to store your coffee beans close to an oven or kitchen counter, or any other area where they are exposed to direct sunlight can be not a good idea. These places can get extremely hot and accelerate the process of the process of oxidation.
Moisture can be a major factor, as the beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also accelerated by heat, as beans degrade the molecular structures which give them their aromas and flavors. The heat also strips the beans of its natural oils, which makes them taste less.
If you can keep your beans in the sealed, resealable bag which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, the freshness will last about a week before they begin to degrade. coffee beans shop may last longer if you place them in the freezer, but you have to be careful because the beans might suffer from freezer burn, and they could also absorb odors of 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 coffee beans, it's crucial to determine the best method of storing the beans. Coffee is like sponges and can absorb aromas, moisture and flavors, so keeping it in a cool, dark location in an airtight, opaque container will help keep the flavor secure. You can also freeze the beans, however, it is advised to store them in the form of a Ziploc bag first to avoid burning in the freezer.
While freezing is not ideal it is a good option if have a limited amount of time or if you're traveling and want to bring along your favorite roast. However, frozen coffee beans aren't as fresh and will have a less bland flavor than beans that were stored correctly in the refrigerator or pantry.
As you can see, it's ideal to use your coffee beans as a whole but sometimes we just don't have that luxury. Properly storing your coffee beans will extend their shelf-life three times if you keep them in a cool, dark space in an airtight, opaque container. Give it a shot (be sure to follow the directions above carefully) you may be surprised by how much better the flavor of your coffee is compared to the dull and stale beans that went bad in the freezer or fridge.