How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

As with a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans turn bad. This is due to oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile.

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

How to Store Coffee Beans

It's no secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To get the best flavor of your beans, it's important to properly store them. However, many people aren't sure how best to go about it. Some people believe that they can place their beans in the refrigerator. This isn't the most efficient method.

The key is to keep your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperature. This will protect your beans from the greatest threats that are moisture, air, and heat. Moisture and air can both cause beans to lose their fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can also weaken them. Heating can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans and light (especially sunlight) can destroy their natural shine as well.

It's not a great idea to store coffee beans in your refrigerator. They may absorb the flavors and odors of other foods in the refrigerator, such as cheese and onions that can adversely affect the flavor of your coffee. They can also be exposed by the refrigerator's cool air to condensation and moisture.

Consider storing your beans in the original container or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove all air from the bag prior to sealing it again, and then store it in a cool, dark location. This will also make the beans last a bit longer, however the best time to use them is within 72 hours after they have been roasted.

Storing coffee bean Beans in the Fridge

Many people keep their coffee beans in the refrigerator however this isn't an ideal solution. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb odors of food and moisture, which will negatively impact their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee in is a dark cupboard with an airtight, opaque and airtight container.

A coffee bag with a one-way valve will work just fine in the refrigerator however if the beans weren't packaged in this type of packaging you'll have 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, which can affect its taste.

The most common enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To maintain the freshness of your roasted beans, store them in an opaque container (not transparent), at ambient temperature. A cool, dark pantry is the best 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, but you might want to try it. The cold temperatures can alter the taste of your coffee, causing it to go through a stale-like process faster. Additionally the food and beverage smells that are present in the fridge could also harm your beans.

Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry

When the seal on the packaging of the beans is broken, it's best to store them in a dark area at room temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma and freshness of your coffee for a long time (depending on how much oxygen, heat, or moisture is exposed to the beans). It is best to store your coffee beans close to an oven, kitchen counter or other area where they are exposed to direct sunlight might be an unwise choice. These places can get extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a significant factor, as the beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of the process of oxidation since beans can break the molecular structure that creates their aromas. Heating also strips the beans of their natural oils, which causes them to lose flavor.

If you are able to keep your beans in the bags that are resealable, one-way valves which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then the freshness will last approximately a week before they begin to deteriorate. You can keep them longer in the refrigerator, but be careful as they could be prone to freezer burns or absorb any odors from food in the fridge.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you're spending 20 dollars or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is important to know the best way to store them. Coffee absorbs aromas, flavors, and moisture therefore storing it in an opaque airtight container in a cool, dark area will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans but be cautious if you do this, make sure to move them into an Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid burning in the freezer.

Although freezing isn't a good idea, it is a good option if have a limited amount of time or if you're traveling and want to bring along your favourite roast. Frozen coffee beans are not as fresh and have a less intense flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.

It's recommended to consume the beans as soon as possible however, we may not always have the luxury of. Storing your coffee beans properly will extend their shelf-life up to three times, if you keep them in a cold Ethiopian Organic Dark Roast Coffee - 250g - Premium space in an airtight, opaque container. So, give the idea a go (be sure to follow the above guidelines carefully) you might be amazed by how much better your coffee will taste compared to the dull and uninteresting beans that rotted in the freezer or fridge.