Seven Reasons To Explain Why Coffee Beans Fresh Is Important
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.
The good news is that you can preserve those fresh flavors for a few weeks by implementing a few simple guidelines. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' most formidable enemies!
How to keep coffee beans safe? Beans
It's no secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To ensure the best flavor from your beans, you need to store them properly. Many people are unsure of how to best do this, though. Some believe they can simply put their beans in the fridge however this isn't the most efficient way to do it.
The key is storing your beans in an airtight and opaque container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from the two biggest enemies: moisture and air. Air can strip beans of their fresh-roasted taste and moisture can weaken them as well. Heat will also break down the flavor and aroma of the beans, and light (especially sunlight) can ruin their natural shine as well.
In fact, keeping coffee beans in a refrigerator can be more harmful than helpful. They may absorb the flavors and odors of other foods in the refrigerator, like cheese and onions which could negatively affect the flavor of your coffee. They may also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the refrigerator's cold air.
Instead, you can store your beans in the container they came in, or in a bag that can be resealable. Be sure to blow out all the air prior to sealing the bag, and then store it in a cool, dark and dry place. This will allow the beans last a bit longer, but it's ideal to use them within 72 hours of roasting.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge
Many people store their coffee beans in their refrigerators but this isn't necessarily a great idea. Coffee beans stored in the fridge absorb odors of food and moisture which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee in is a dark cupboard with an airtight, opaque and airtight container.
unroasted coffee beans wholesale with an one-way valve can work perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans aren't in this type of packaging it is necessary to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, like a glass container or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge might also be too cold for the coffee, and this can affect its taste.
The primary enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To maintain the freshness of your coffee beans keep them in a container that is opaque (not transparent), at ambient temperature. The best place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however cabinets or wardrobes will also work. It is not recommended to keep coffee in the refrigerator. It will extend its shelf-life, but you may want to try it. It can alter the taste of your coffee and make them stale faster due to its cold temperature. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator can harm your coffee beans.
Storing coffee beans in the Pantry
When the seal on the packaging of your beans is broken, it's best to keep them in a dark area at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the coffee for a time (depending on the amount of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or counters where they are exposed to direct sunlight isn't the ideal idea since these places could be extremely hot and accelerate oxidation.
Moisture is an important factor because beans can absorb moisture from the air, and this can reduce their natural flavors. Also, heat can accelerate the process of oxidation, as beans destroy the molecular structure that gives them their aromas. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils, causing the flavor to fade away.
If you are able to keep your beans in a resealable one-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight container that's similar, they will stay fresh for approximately a week. They can go longer if you store them in the freezer, but you must be cautious as the beans may be prone to freezer burn and they may also absorb odors of food that are floating around in the freezer them.
Storing coffee beans in the freezer
If you're paying 20 bucks or more to purchase the finest coffee beans, it's crucial to know how long they'll keep and what the best ways are to keep them. Coffee is like sponges and absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors. Keeping it in a cool, dark place in an airtight opaque container will ensure that the flavor stays and aromas safe. You can also freeze your beans, but be careful when doing this, make sure to move them into an Ziploc bag prior to freezing them to avoid burning in the freezer.
While freezing isn't ideal however, it can be beneficial when you're short on time or traveling and want to take a cup of your favorite coffee with you. However, coffee beans frozen will not be as fresh and will have a less muted flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or in the pantry.
As you can see it's recommended to use your beans with a single hand, but sometimes you just don't have that luxury. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cold place in an opaque airtight container and their shelf life could be extended by as much as 3 times. You may be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste when contrasted with beans that are rotten in the freezer or fridge.