Five Things You Don't Know About Coffee Beans Fresh

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 your fresh flavors for a few weeks with a few simple guidelines. Air, moisture and heat are your beans' greatest enemies! How to store Coffee Beans It's no secret, coffee beans break down quickly. In order to enjoy the best flavor of your beans, you need to store them in a proper manner. Many people aren't sure the best way to do this, however. Some people think they can simply put their beans in the fridge however this isn't the most efficient way to do it. unroasted coffee beans is to keep your beans in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature. This will protect the beans from the most formidable enemies such as moisture, air and heat. Air and moisture can cause beans to lose their fresh-roasted flavor, while moisture can also make them taste weaker. Heating can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans, and light (especially sunlight) can ruin their natural shine too. In fact, storing coffee beans in a refrigerator can be more harmful than beneficial. They can absorb the flavors of other foods, such as onions and cheese in the refrigerator, which will alter the taste of your coffee. They also are exposed to condensation and moisture due to the cold air in the refrigerator. You may want to store your beans in the container that you originally used or in a plastic bag that can be resealable. Make sure you push out all the air prior resealing the bag, and keep it in a cool, dark and dry place. This can also help the beans last longer, however it is best to use them within 72 hours after roasting. Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge Most people store their beans in the refrigerator however it's not an ideal solution. Coffee beans stored in the refrigerator absorb moisture and food smells which can adversely affect their flavor. The ideal place to store your coffee is in a dark cabinet with an airtight, opaque and airtight container. A coffee bag with a one-way valve will work perfectly in the fridge however if the beans weren't packaged in this sort of packaging you'll need to move them to a sealed and opaque container, like a glass container or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important to note that the fridge could be a bit cold for coffee, which may alter the taste. The main enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To preserve the freshness and quality of your roasted beans, keep them in an opaque container (not transparent), at the room temperature. The ideal place to store them is a cool, dark pantry, however an armoire or cabinet will also work. It is not recommended to store coffee in the refrigerator. It can prolong its shelf life, but you may want to try it. The cold temperature can alter the taste of your coffee and cause it to deteriorate faster. In addition, the moisture and food smells from the fridge can also harm your beans. Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry After the seal of packaging on the beans is broken, it's best to keep them in a dark place at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on the amount of oxygen, heat, or moisture is exposed to the beans). Storing your beans in a cabinet close to an oven or kitchen counter where they receive direct sunlight isn't the best idea because these places can get very hot and accelerate the process of oxidation. Moisture is often a major factor, as the beans absorb moisture in the air. This can reduce the natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of oxidation because the bean can alter the molecular structure which gives them their distinctive aromas. Also, heat strips the bean of its natural oils, which makes them taste less. If you store your beans in a resealable one-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight container and fresh, they should last for about a week. They may last longer if you store them in the freezer, but you should be aware as the beans may suffer from freezer burn, and they can also absorb food odors that are floating around in the freezer them. Storing coffee beans in the freezer If you're spending $20 or more for a haute bag of coffee beans it's important to be aware of the length of time they'll keep and what the best ways are to keep them. Coffee absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors and storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark location will help preserve the flavor. 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 to avoid freezer burn. While freezing isn't ideal but it is a good option when you're running out of time or you are traveling and want to bring some of your favorite coffee with you. Frozen coffee beans are not as fresh and have a less pronounced flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or pantry. It's best to use your beans as soon as you can however, we do not always have the luxury of. Properly storing your coffee beans can prolong their shelf-life by three times if you keep them in a cool dark space in an airtight, opaque container. So go ahead and give it a try (be sure to follow the instructions above carefully) you may be amazed at how much better the coffee will taste as compared to the dull and lifeless beans that rotted in the freezer or fridge.