How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh Similar to a banana left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans turn bad. This is caused by oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds. The good news is you can preserve the fresh roasted flavors for several weeks with a few simple tips. Heat, humidity and air are your beans' most formidable enemies! How to store coffee beans It's not a secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, you need to store them properly. Many people aren't sure the best way to do this, however. Some people think they can simply put their beans in the refrigerator but that's not the best way to go about it. The key is to keep your beans in an airtight and transparent container at room temperature. This will safeguard the beans from their most formidable enemies: air, moisture, and heat. The air can strip the beans of their fresh-roasted flavor, and moisture can dilute them as well. The heat can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull their natural shine. In reality, storing coffee beans in the refrigerator can be more harmful than helpful. They can absorb the flavors and odors of food items in the refrigerator, such as onions and cheese that can adversely affect the flavor of your coffee. They can also be exposed to moisture and condensation from the cold air in the refrigerator. Instead, think about storing your beans in the container they were packaged in, or in a resealable bag. Make sure to push out all the air prior sealing the bag, and keep it in a cool, dark place. This will also aid in keeping the beans fresh longer, but the best time to use them is within 72 hours after they have been roasted. Storing gourmet coffee beans in the Fridge Many people keep their coffee beans in the refrigerator but this isn't necessarily a great idea. Coffee beans in the fridge absorb odors of food and moisture which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is a dark cabinet that is sealed with an airtight and transparent container. If your beans aren't in a coffee bag with a one way valve, you'll have to move them into an container that is sealed and opaque, such as the Coffee Gator canister. The fridge might also be too cold for the coffee, which may alter the taste of the coffee. Air, heat and moisture are the main enemies of coffee bean. To ensure freshness of the coffee beans, you must store your beans in an airtight opaque (not transparent) container at the room temperature. The ideal place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however an armoire or cabinet can also be used. It is not recommended to store coffee in the refrigerator. It can extend its shelf-life, however you may want to test it. The cold temperature can alter the flavor of your coffee and cause it to go through a stale-like process faster. The smells of food and moisture in the refrigerator could harm your coffee beans. Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry Once the packaging seal on the beans is broken, it is best to store the beans in a dark, dry place at temperatures of room temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the flavor, aroma and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the degree of exposure to oxygen, heat, and moisture). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or kitchen counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't a good option because these areas can become very hot and will accelerate the process of oxidation. Moisture can be a major aspect, since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat, as beans degrade the molecular structures which give them their flavors and aromas. The heat also strips the beans of their natural oils, which makes them taste less. If you are 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 about a week before they start to degrade. They can be kept longer in the fridge but be careful as they could be prone to freezer burns or absorb any odors of food in the fridge. Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer If you're shelling out 20 dollars or more for an expensive bag of coffee beans, it's crucial to be aware of how long they'll last and what the best methods are to keep them. Coffee is like sponges and can absorb aromas, moisture and flavors. Therefore, keeping it in a cool dark place in a airtight opaque container can help keep the taste protected. You can also freeze your beans, but be cautious if you do this, make sure to move them into a Ziploc bag prior to freezing them to avoid freezing burn. While freezing isn't the best option, it is a good option if have a limited time frame or you're planning to travel and take along a cup of your favourite roast. Coffee beans frozen in the freezer aren't as fresh and have a less distinct flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry. It is recommended to consume the beans as soon as you can however, we may not always have that luxury. Storing your coffee beans properly can extend their shelf-life by at least three times if you store them in a cold dark place in a sealed airtight container. You may be surprised by how much better the coffee will taste when compared to the beans that are rotten in the freezer or fridge.
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