How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh Like a banana left on the counter coffee beans can go bad. This is caused by oxidation and loss of volatile flavor compounds. You can preserve the fresh roasted flavor for a couple of weeks by following some simple guidelines. Your beans' greatest enemies are air, moisture, and heat! How to store coffee beans It's not a secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, it's essential to store them properly. Despite this, many people are confused as to how best to store them. Some people believe that they can just put their beans into the fridge. This is not the best way to go about it. The key is to keep your beans in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature. This will shield your beans from their most formidable enemies: moisture and air. Moisture and air can both ruin the beans' fresh roast flavor, and the moisture can make them less flavorful. Heating can also ruin the flavor and aroma of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also affect their natural shine. It's not a great idea to keep coffee beans in your refrigerator. They can absorb the flavors of other foods, such as onions and cheese in the fridge which could alter the taste of your espresso. They also are exposed to moisture and condensation due to the cold air in the refrigerator. Instead, you can store your beans in the container they were packaged in or in a bag that can be resealable. Make sure you remove all air from the bag prior to sealing it, and store it in a dark, cool space. This method will also help the beans last longer, but it is ideal to use them within 72 hours of roasting. Storing coffee beans in the Fridge Most people store their coffee beans in the refrigerator, but it's not an ideal idea. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb food smells and moisture and can alter their flavor. The best place to keep your coffee is in a dark cabinet in an airtight and transparent container. A coffee bag that has an one-way valve can work just fine in the refrigerator However, if your beans aren't in this sort of packaging you'll have to transfer them into a tightly sealed and opaque container, like a glass canister or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. It's important to keep in mind that the fridge can also be a little cold for coffee, which can affect the taste of the coffee. Moisture, heat and air are the main enemies of coffee bean. To preserve the freshness of their roast, it is recommended to store your beans in a airtight, opaque (not transparent) container at room temperature. The ideal place to keep them is a dark, cool pantry, however cabinets or wardrobes could also work. The storage of coffee in the fridge will extend its shelf life, however it isn't recommended. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans can alter the taste of your coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster. Additionally the food and beverage smells from the fridge can cause damage to your beans. Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry Once the seal on the packaging on your beans is broken, it is recommended to keep them in a dark area at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will help preserve the flavor, aroma and freshness of your coffee for a long period of time (depending on how much oxygen or heat is absorbed by the beans). It is best to store your coffee beans close to an oven or kitchen counter, or any other space that is exposed to direct sunlight could be an unwise choice. These areas can become very hot and accelerate oxidation. Moisture is a significant factor, as the beans can absorb moisture in the air. This can dilute the natural flavors. Heat can also accelerate oxidation because the bean can destroy the molecular structure, which creates their distinctive aromas. Heat also strips the bean of their natural oils which makes them taste less. If you are able to keep your beans in the resealable single-way valve bag they came in or in an airtight opaque container, they will stay fresh for approximately a week. You can store them for longer in the refrigerator, but be cautious as they could suffer from freezer burns or absorb any odors of food in the fridge. Storing coffee beans in the freezer If you are spending $20 or more for a bag of gourmet coffee beans, it is essential to know the best way to store the beans. 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 the beans but it is best to store them in the form of a Ziploc bag first to avoid freezer burn. While freezing isn't a good idea however, it can be beneficial if you are short on time or travel and wish to bring some of your favorite coffee with you. Coffee beans that are frozen aren't as fresh and have a less distinct flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or pantry. As you can see, it's recommended to use your beans with a single hand, but sometimes you aren't able to afford that. Properly storing your coffee beans can extend their shelf-life by three times if you keep them in a dark, cold place in a sealed airtight container. Give the idea a go (be sure to follow the instructions above carefully) you might be surprised by how much better your coffee will taste when compared to the dull and uninteresting beans that have gone bad in the freezer or fridge.