How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

As with a banana left on the counter coffee beans can turn bad. This is due to oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is you can preserve fresh flavors for several weeks with a few simple tips. The elements of heat, moisture and air are your beans' worst enemies!

How to keep coffee beans in storage

It's no secret that coffee beans lose their flavor quickly. In order to maximize the flavor of your beans, you need to store them properly. Despite this, many are unsure of how best to go about it. Some people believe that they can just put their beans into the fridge. This isn't the most efficient method.

The most important thing is to store your beans in an airtight and Coffeee transparent container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from two of their greatest enemies: moisture and air. Moisture and air can both take away the beans' fresh roast flavor, and moisture can also make them taste weaker. Heat can also destroy the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull their natural shine.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator could be more harmful than useful. They may absorb the flavors and odors from other foods in the refrigerator, including onions and cheese which can negatively affect the flavor of your coffee. They are also exposed to the cool air of the refrigerator 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. Be sure to remove all the air prior sealing the bag again, and store it in a cool, dark area. This can also aid in keeping the beans coffee fresh longer, but the ideal time to use them is 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

Many people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator but this isn't necessarily an ideal solution. Coffee beans in the fridge absorb odors from food and water and negatively impact their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet that is sealed with an airtight, transparent container.

A coffee bag that has an one-way valve can work perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans didn't come in this kind of packaging, it is necessary to transfer them to a tightly sealed and opaque container like a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important to note that the fridge might be a bit cold for coffee, which can affect the taste.

Moisture, heat, Coffeee and air are the main enemies of coffee beans. To keep the freshness of your roasted beans, store them in a container that is opaque (not transparent), at the room temperature. A cool, dark pantry is the ideal location to store them however a closet or cupboard is also acceptable. It is not recommended to store coffee in the refrigerator. It will prolong its shelf-life, however you might want to consider it. It can affect the flavors of your brew and even make them stale quicker due to its cold temperature. Additionally the food and coffeee moisture odors in the fridge can also damage your beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

Once the seal has been broken on your beans, it is best to keep them in a dark place at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help preserve the aroma, flavor, and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on the amount of oxygen or heat is in contact with the beans). The storage of your coffee beans near an oven, kitchen counter or other place where they are exposed to direct sunlight might be an undesirable idea. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture can be a significant factor in the bean's flavor, since it can absorb moisture in the air. This can alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also accelerated by heat because the bean can degrade the molecular structures which give them their aromas and flavors. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose flavor.

If you're able to keep your beans in their bags that are resealable, one-way valves which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container then freshness should last for around a week or so before they begin to degrade. They will last longer if they are placed in the freezer, however you should be cautious because the beans might suffer from freezer burn and they can also absorb food odors floating around in the freezer along with them.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you're spending $20 or more for bags of premium coffee beans, it is important to understand the best method of storing the beans. Coffee is a sponge and can absorb moisture, aromas, and flavors so keeping it in a cool, dark space in an airtight container will ensure that the flavor stays and aromas safe. You can also freeze your beans, but be careful if you do this, make sure to move them into a Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid freezer burn.

Although freezing isn't a good idea, it could be beneficial if you have a limited amount of time or you're traveling and wish to bring along your favorite roast. Coffee beans that are frozen aren't as fresh and have a less pronounced flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or pantry.

It's recommended to use the beans as soon as possible however, we do not always have that luxury. Making sure that your coffee beans are stored properly will extend their shelf-life at least three times if you store them in a cool, dark space in an airtight, opaque container. If you decide to give your coffee a try (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you might be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste as compared to the dull and lifeless beans that rotted in the freezer or fridge.