How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Just like a banana that's left on the counter for a few days, coffee beans turn bad. This is caused by oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile.

You can keep the fresh flavor of roasted beans for a few weeks by following a few simple guidelines. Moisture, air and heat are your beans' most formidable enemies!

How to keep coffee beans in storage

It's no secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. In order to get the best flavor of your beans, it's essential to properly store them. Many people are confused on how to best do this, though. Some people believe that they can simply put their beans into the fridge. This isn't the most efficient method.

The key is storing your beans in an airtight and opaque container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from their most formidable enemies: moisture and air. Air can rob the beans of their fresh roasted flavor and moisture could weaken the beans' flavor. Also, heat can destroy the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) will also reduce their natural shine.

In fact, keeping coffee beans in a refrigerator could be more harmful than helpful. They could absorb the flavors and odors of other food items in the refrigerator, including onions and cheese which could negatively affect the taste of your coffee. They could also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the cold air in the refrigerator.

Instead, think about storing your beans in the container they came in or in a bag that can be resealable. Be sure to blow out all of the air before sealing the bag again, and then store it in a cool, dark area. This will help the beans last a bit 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, but it's not an ideal solution. Coffee beans stored in refrigerators absorb moisture and food smells which can adversely affect their flavor. The best place to store your coffee is the dark cabinet, with an airtight, transparent container.

A coffee bag that has a one-way valve will work just fine in the fridge, but if your beans weren't packaged in this type of container, it is necessary to transfer them to a sealed and opaque container, such as a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge can also be too cold for the online Coffee beans, which can affect the taste.

Moisture, heat and air are the primary enemies of coffee beans. To keep the freshness of your roasted beans, place them in an opaque container (not transparent), at the room temperature. A dark, cool and cool pantry is a great storage space, but a closet or cabinet is also acceptable. Storing coffee in a refrigerator can help prolong its shelf life, however it's not recommended. It can alter the taste of your brew and even make them stale quicker due to its cold temperature. The moisture and food smells in the refrigerator could harm your coffee beans.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

When the seal on the packaging is broken on your beans, it is recommended to keep them in a dark area at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee for a prolonged period (depending on how much oxygen or heat is exposed to the beans). Storing your beans in a cabinet near an oven or counters where they are exposed to direct sunlight isn't the ideal option because these areas can be extremely hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture can be a significant element, as beans can absorb moisture from the air. This can alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat, as beans degrade the molecular structures that give them their flavors and aromas. The heat also strips the beans of their natural oils, which makes them taste less.

If you can keep your beans in the resealable single-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight opaque container that's similar to it, they'll stay fresh for about one week. They can be kept longer in the fridge however, be aware that they could be prone to freezer burns or absorb any food odors in the fridge.

Storing coffee beans in the freezer

If you're spending 20 dollars or more on a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is important to understand the best way to store them. Coffee is sponges that absorb aromas, moisture and flavors. Therefore, keeping it in a cool, dark place in a airtight opaque container will help keep the flavor and aromas safe. You can also freeze the beans however, it is advised to place them in the form of a Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid burns from freezing.

Although freezing isn't ideal, it is a good option if have a short amount of time or if you're on the road and want to bring along some of your favorite roast. However, frozen coffee beans aren't as fresh and will have a less mild flavor than beans that were properly stored in the fridge or pantry.

It's best to consume the beans as soon as possible 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 three times. You may be surprised at how much better the coffee will taste when compared to the beans that have been rotten in the freezer or fridge.