Storing coffee is a topic that is often misunderstood. We will talk about the best ways to store your coffee beans and why the advice changes depending on factors such as the length of time you have stored them. Fresh coffee is necessary, especially when we purchase expensive beans. Unroasted coffee beans can be stored in a cool and dry place for months. Roasted beans have a shelf-life of two weeks. Darker roasted beans will expire faster due to their broken cell walls.
Asking for the roasting date is very important when buying from a local roaster. Avoid buying from small roasters who cannot verify the roasting date. Packaging has changed a lot over the years and companies have perfected their packaging recipes. When buying from reputable roasters it is important to check the “best before” date rather than the roast date.
It is important to store coffee in an airtight container. This will prevent oxygen from entering the bag or canister. There are numerous options available, including vacuum canisters and mason jars. It is fine to store coffee in the refrigerator or freezer. This is a good option for long-term storage. Cold temperatures will immobilize volatile components in the bean, preserving the good stuff which provides coffee its flavor. When you take coffee out of the freezer or fridge on a typical basis, the condensation will accumulate and cause the coffee to deteriorate.
To avoid this, return the beans as quickly as possible to the freezer after transferring them into an airtight container. Ground coffee should not be kept in the freezer, nevertheless in airtight containers that are kept at room temperature or mildly lower. Green coffee beans can be stored for a number of years in the freezer if they are vacuumed and placed immediately. It is important to allow green beans to warm up before roasting them. It is not recommended to store roasted beans for a long time as they begin to alter the moment they are removed from the roasting pan or facility.
To preserve the flavor and freshness of coffee, it is important to store it properly. For long-term storage, it is important to store coffee in airtight containers and avoid drastic temperature changes.
This article firstly appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of making espresso beverages.