How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh As with a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans turn bad. This is caused by oxidation and loss of flavor compounds that are volatile. You can keep the fresh roasted flavor for a few weeks by following these simple guidelines. Your beans' worst enemies are air, moisture, and heat! How to keep coffee beans in storage It's not a secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To get the best flavor from your beans, you need to store them properly. Despite this, many aren't sure how best to go about it. Some people believe that they can put their beans in the refrigerator. This is not the best method. Store your beans at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container. This will protect the beans from their greatest enemies: air, moisture, and heat. The air can rob beans of their fresh-roasted taste, and moisture can dilute them too. Heating can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull the natural shine of the beans. It's not a wise idea to store coffee beans in your refrigerator. They can absorb the flavors of other foods, like cheese and onions in the fridge which can affect the taste of your espresso. They may also be exposed to condensation and moisture from the frig's cold air. Instead, think about storing your beans in the container they were packaged in or in a bag that can be resealable. Be sure to blow out all the air prior to resealing the bag, and store it in a cool, dark and dry place. This can also aid in keeping the beans fresh a little longer, but the ideal time to use them is 72 hours after roasting. Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge Many people keep their coffee beans in the refrigerator, but this isn't an ideal idea. Coffee beans stored in the refrigerator absorb the smells of food and moisture and can alter their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet in an airtight, clear container. A coffee bag with a one-way valve works perfectly in the fridge however if your beans weren't packaged in this type of container, you'll need to move them to a tightly sealed and opaque container like a glass container or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important to remember that the fridge can also be a bit cold for coffee, which can impact its taste. The main enemies of coffee beans are heat, air and moisture. To preserve the freshness of their roast, it is recommended to store your beans in an airtight, opaque (not transparent) container at temperatures of room temperature. A cool, dark pantry is the perfect location to store them, but a closet or cupboard is also acceptable. Storing https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans in the fridge can help extend its shelf life, but it's not recommended. The cold temperatures can alter the flavor of your coffee and cause it to become stale quicker. Additionally the moisture and food smells from the fridge can also harm your beans. Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry When the seal on the packaging is broken on your beans, it is recommended to store them in a dark area at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help preserve the aroma, flavor, and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on the amount of oxygen, heat, or moisture is in contact with the beans). The storage of your coffee beans near an oven or kitchen counter, or any other area where they are exposed to direct sunlight could be an unwise choice. These areas can become extremely hot and accelerate the process of the process of oxidation. Moisture is a big one since beans are able to absorb moisture from the air and this could alter the natural flavors. Oxidation is also enhanced by heat, as beans break down the molecular structures which give them their flavors and aromas. Heat also strips the bean of their natural oils which results in them losing taste. If you're able keep your beans in the bags that are resealable, one-way valves that they came from or an equivalent airtight opaque container, then their freshness will last around a week or so before they start to degrade. You can store them longer in the refrigerator, but be aware that they may be prone to freezer burn or absorb any odors from food in the fridge. Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer If you're paying 20 dollars or more for the finest coffee beans, you need to be aware of how long they'll last and what the best methods are to keep them. Coffee absorbs aromas, flavors, and moisture therefore keeping it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool place will help to 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 in order to avoid freezer burn. While freezing isn't ideal but it can be helpful if you are short on time or traveling and want to bring some of your favorite coffee with you. Coffee beans frozen in the freezer aren't as fresh and have a less intense flavor than beans that are stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry. It's best to use the beans as quickly as you can however, we may not always have that luxury. Storing your coffee beans properly will extend their shelf-life up to three times, if you're using them in a cool dark place in an airtight opaque container. You might be amazed by how much better the coffee will taste in comparison to beans that had gone to rot in the freezer or fridge.