How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

As with a banana left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans also go bad. This is because of oxidation and loss of volatile soluble flavor compounds.

The good news is that you can preserve the fresh flavors for some weeks by following a few simple guidelines. The most formidable enemies of beans are air, moisture, and heat!

How do you store coffee beans

It's no secret, coffee beans break down quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it's essential to properly store them. However, a lot of people are confused as to how best to go about it. Many people think they can place their beans in the fridge. This isn't the best option.

Store your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will protect your beans from two of their greatest enemies: moisture and air. Air and moisture can cause beans to lose their fresh-roasted flavor, and the moisture can make them less flavorful. The heat can also destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans, and light (especially sunlight) can take away the natural shine of the beans as well.

In fact, keeping coffee beans in the refrigerator could be more harmful than helpful. They can absorb the flavor and odors from other foods in the refrigerator, including onions and cheese that can adversely affect the taste of your coffee bean. They are also exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to condensation and moisture.

Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they came in or in a resealable bag. Be sure to eliminate all air from the bag prior to sealing it, and store it in a dark, cool place. This method can also make the beans last a little longer, but the optimum length of time to use them is 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

Many people keep their Online Coffee beans beans in their refrigerators, but this isn't a great idea. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb food smells and moisture and can affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is in a dark cabinet with an airtight, opaque and airtight container.

A coffee bag that has an one-way valve can work just fine in the fridge However, if your beans weren't packaged in this sort of packaging you'll have to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, such as a glass jar or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge might also be too cold for the coffee beans to buy, which may alter the taste of the coffee.

The main enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To maintain the freshness of your coffee beans store them in a dark container (not transparent) at ambient temperature. A dark, cool, dark pantry is a great place to store them, but a closet or a cupboard is also acceptable. Storing coffee in a refrigerator will extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the taste of your coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster. Additionally the food and beverage smells that are present in the fridge could also harm your beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

After the seal of packaging on your beans has been broken, it is best to keep them in a dark location at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the aroma, flavor and freshness of the gourmet coffee beans for a while (depending on the extent of exposure to oxygen, heat, and moisture). Storing your beans in a cupboard near an oven or counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't the best option because these areas can become extremely hot and accelerate oxidation.

Moisture is one of the main reasons since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air. This can reduce their natural flavors. Oxidation is also accelerated by heat since the beans can destroy the molecular structure that provide them with their flavors and aromas. Heating also strips the beans of their natural oils which causes them to lose flavor.

If you keep your beans in the resealable, one-way valve bag they came in or in an airtight opaque container that is similar to it, they'll stay fresh for about a week. They can be kept longer in the refrigerator, however, be aware that they may be prone to freezer burns or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you're paying 20 bucks or more for the finest coffee beans it's important to be aware of how long they'll keep and what the best methods are to store them. Coffee absorbs aromas, moisture and flavors which is why placing it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool space will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze the beans, but it is best to store them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezing burn.

Although freezing isn't the best option but it can be helpful in the event that you're strapped for time or traveling and want to take some of your favorite coffee with you. However, coffee beans frozen will not be as fresh and will have a more mild flavor than beans that were stored correctly in the fridge or pantry.

As you can see it's ideal to use your coffee beans in a lickety-split fashion, but sometimes we simply don't have the luxury. Storing your coffee beans properly can extend their shelf-life by at least three times if you're using them in a dark, cold location in an airtight container. Give it a shot (be sure to follow the directions above carefully) you may be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste as compared to the dull and lifeless beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.