10 Places That You Can Find Coffee Beans Fresh
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh
Just like a banana that's left on the counter for several days, coffee beans turn bad. This is due to oxidation, and the loss of volatile soluble flavor compounds.
You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following some simple guidelines. The most formidable enemies of beans are air, moisture, and heat!
How to store Coffee Beans
It's no secret that coffee beans lose their flavor quickly. To get the most flavor out of your beans, it's important to properly store them. Many people aren't sure 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 way to do it.
The most important thing is to store your beans in an airtight and opaque container at room temperature. This will protect the beans from their most formidable enemies that are moisture, air, and heat. Air can strip beans of their fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can dilute the beans' flavor. The heat can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also diminish their natural shine.
In fact, keeping coffee beans in a refrigerator can be more harmful than useful. They may absorb the flavors and odors of food items that are stored in the refrigerator like cheese and onions, which will negatively impact the flavor of your coffee. They may also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the cold air in the refrigerator.
It is possible to store your beans in the container that you originally used or in a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to eliminate all the air from the bag before sealing it, and store it in a dark, cool area. This can make the beans last a little longer, but the ideal time to use them is within 72 hours after roasting.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge
The majority of people store their beans in the fridge however it's not an ideal solution. Coffee beans stored in a refrigerator absorb odors of food and moisture which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is in a dark cabinet with an airtight, transparent container.
A coffee bag that has an one-way valve can work just fine in the refrigerator however if the beans didn't come in this sort of packaging you'll need to move 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, and this can alter the taste of the coffee.
Moisture, heat, and air are the main enemies of coffee bean. To ensure the freshness of your coffee beans store them in a container that is opaque (not transparent) at room temperature. The best place to store them is a cool, dark pantry, but a wardrobe or a cabinet can also be used. It is not recommended to keep coffee in the refrigerator. It can prolong its shelf-life, but you might want to try it. It can affect the flavors of your coffee and cause them to go stale quicker due to its cold temperature. Additionally the food and moisture smells that are present in the fridge could cause damage to your beans.
Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry
After the seal of packaging on your beans has broken, it is recommended to store them in a dark place at the temperature of room and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a prolonged period (depending on the amount of oxygen or heat is absorbed by the beans). Storing your coffee beans in a cabinet next to an oven or kitchen counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't the most ideal option because these areas can become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation.
Moisture is an important factor because beans can absorb moisture from the air and this can reduce their natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of the process of oxidation, as beans destroy the molecular structure that gives them their aromas. Heat also robs the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose flavor.
If you can keep your beans in the one-way valve bag that is resealable and resealable that they came in or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then their freshness will last around a week or so before they start to degrade. They will last longer if you store them in the freezer, however you should be aware as the beans may be prone to 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 a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is crucial to determine the best method to store the beans. Coffee is like sponges and can absorb moisture, aromas and flavors, so keeping it in a cool dark place in a airtight opaque container will help keep the flavor protected. You can also freeze your beans, but be careful if you decide to do this it's best to transfer them to a Ziploc bag prior to freezing them to avoid burning in the freezer.
While it's not ideal however, it can be beneficial if you are short on time or travel and wish to take a cup of your favorite coffee with you. coffee beans bulk frozen in the freezer aren't as fresh and have a less intense flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or pantry.
It's best to use the beans as quickly as you can however, we don't always have that luxury. If you keep your coffee beans in a dark, cold space in a dark, airtight container and their shelf life could be extended by as much as 3 times. You might be amazed by how much better the coffee will taste when in comparison to beans that were rotten in the freezer or fridge.