How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Like a banana thrown on the counter, coffee beans can go bad. This is due to oxidation, and the loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is that you can preserve fresh roast flavors for a few weeks by implementing a few simple tips. The beans' biggest enemies are moisture, air, and heat!

How to store coffee beans

It's no secret that coffee beans go through a process of degradation quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it is essential to store them properly. Many people are confused about how to best do this, though. Many people believe that they can just put their beans in the refrigerator but that's not the best method for doing it.

The key is storing your beans in an airtight, transparent container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from two of their greatest enemies: moisture and air. Air and moisture can ruin the beans' fresh roast flavor, and moisture can also dilute them. The heat can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect the natural shine of the beans.

In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator could be more harmful than useful. They can absorb the flavor and odors of food items that are stored in the refrigerator like onions and cheese which can negatively affect the flavor of your coffee. They could also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the frig's cold air.

Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they were packaged in, or in a resealable bag. Make sure you push out all the air prior resealing the bag, and keep it in a cool, dark area. This will help the beans to last a bit longer, however it is ideal to use them within 72 hours after roasting.

Storing coffee beans in the Fridge

Many people keep their coffee beans in their refrigerators however this isn't the best idea. Coffee Kimbo Espresso Barista: 100% Arabica Beans from Italy stored in a refrigerator absorb moisture and food smells and can alter their flavor. The ideal place to keep your coffee in is the dark cabinet, with an airtight, opaque container.

A coffee bag with an one-way valve can work perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans weren't packaged in this sort 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 can also be too cold for the Marley Coffee Buffalo Soldier Dark Roast Beans, More,, and this can alter the taste of the coffee.

The most common enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To ensure the freshness of your beans, keep them in a container that is opaque (not transparent), at the room temperature. The best place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, but cabinets or wardrobes can also be used. It is not recommended to store ZATS Bold Speciality Blend Coffee Beans 1kg - Premium Quality in the refrigerator. It can prolong its shelf life, but you might want to try it. The cold temperature can alter the taste of your coffee and cause it to become stale quicker. Additionally, the moisture and food odors in the fridge can also damage your beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

Once the packaging seal is broken on the beans, it's recommended to store the beans in a dark space at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the amount of exposure to oxygen, heat and moisture). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or counters that are exposed to direct sunlight isn't the best idea since these places could get very hot and accelerate oxidation.

Moisture is a big one because beans absorb moisture from the air. This can dilute their natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of oxidation because the bean can break the molecular structure that gives them their aromas. Also, heat deprives the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose their flavor.

If you're able keep your beans in the resealable, one-way valve bag which they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container then the freshness will last about a week before they begin to deteriorate. They will last longer if you store them in the freezer, however you must be cautious because the beans might be prone to freezer burn and they could also absorb food odors floating around in the freezer them.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you're spending 20 dollars or more for an expensive bag of coffee beans, you need to be aware of the length of time they'll last and what the best ways are to keep them. Coffee is like a sponge and can absorb aromas, moisture, and flavors so keeping it in a cool dark space in an airtight container will help keep the flavor safe. You can also freeze the beans, but it is advisable to put them in a Ziploc bag first to avoid burning in the freezer.

Although freezing isn't the best option but it is a good option in the event that you're strapped for time or traveling and want to take some of your favorite coffee with you. However, frozen coffee beans aren't as fresh and will have a less muted flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

As you can see, it's ideal to use your coffee beans with a single hand, but sometimes you aren't able to afford that. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cool location in an airtight, opaque container their shelf life can be extended up to 3 times. So, give the idea a go (be sure to follow the above instructions carefully) you may be surprised at how much better the flavor of your coffee is compared to the dull and stale beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.