Coffee is a staple in many homes, but it’s not always easy to store.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your coffee fresh and flavorful, this article will help. We’ll cover the best way to store beans, how long they last before going stale, and more!
You’ll learn everything you need to know about storing coffee beans so that every cup tastes as good as the first one did when you bought them. Plus we’ve got some tips on brewing with whole beans too!
How long are coffee beans good for?
When you buy coffee beans, you will not see an expiry date. This is because they do not go bad. They are dry and, as such, can be stored in a pantry on a shelf. They are stable and can be stored for a long time. While this is technically the case, their freshness will last for about 7 to 10 days after being roasted.
As they are roasted, the beans release carbon dioxide. When they are done doing this, they begin to absorb oxygen as well as moisture. This is when the coffee beans start to oxidize, and then deterioration is next. At this point, the coffee will no longer be as fresh as it was, to begin with, and flavors are lost.
So what’s the verdict? Coffee beans have a longer shelf life than ground coffee. So if you’re planning on buying large quantities and store, then you may want to get yourself coffee beans. The length of time coffee beans are fresh depends on different factors such as exposure to temperature, a reduction in air movement, and also exposure to sunlight. As such, it depends on how and where you store the beans.
Do dark/medium/light roasts last longer?
Coffee beans, in general, will last longer than ground coffee. The darker the roast, the more porous It will be, which means it doesn’t stay as fresh for long. The lighter roasts will remain fresh for a more extended period.
What does exposure to oxygen do to coffee?
When coffee is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes. This is what causes coffee to go stale. Just like what happens when the iron is exposed to air, it rusts. In the same way, coffee and oxygen mixing will cause the flavor of taste and the smell of the coffee to deteriorate.
How to store coffee
Method 1: The Coffee Bag
The best coffee bags for storage should keep out as much oxygen as possible and prevent or decrease the oxidation process. The bag needs to have a one-way valve that lets just the right amount of carbon dioxide out of the bag as the coffee degases.
The coffee bag is also a great way to store the coffee on a shelf as it will usually take less space. Then also, make sure that you store the bag in a cool and dry place. It is also essential to make sure the bag that you use is resealable.
Pros
- It can hold off the deterioration process for a couple of weeks.
- It sits nicely on a shelf and takes up less space.
Cons
- If stored in the refrigerator, it can end up smelling like the rest of the fridge.
Method 2: A Coffee Container
Coffee canisters are specially made to hold coffee, release carbon dioxide and keep oxygen out, keeping the oxidation process at bay. The shape and size of the container depending on the manufacturer. However, stainless steel is an excellent material to look for in a coffee container.
Pros
- They are airtight
- They come in various sizes
- It protects from light and moisture
Cons
- They may take up valuable counter space.
What to Avoid When Storing Coffee
1. Avoid moisture. Coffee stores better when it is in a dry place. A lot of moisture will cause the coffee to begin to lose its quality. When there is moisture introduced to coffee, it may taste a little sour and have a foul aroma. As such, don’t store it in the freezer if you are anything but 100% sure that there will be no moisture that can slip through the cracks. If you want to use the freezer, you can avoid issues by storing the coffee in small amounts
2. Avoid air. You need to keep coffee away from the air so that it doesn’t oxidize and go stale. The introduction of oxygen to coffee will cause it to begin to lose flavor and aroma.
3. Avoid heat until the coffee is ready to be brewed. This is why it needs to be kept in a cool space. When heat is introduced to coffee, it begins to break down. This means you need to keep it away from heat sources like the sun or stove
4. Keep the coffee away from light. This means that it is not a good idea to store the coffee in a glass container. Opaque is the closest you can get.
Don’t keep coffee in the fridge or freezer!
Keeping coffee in the freezer is not the best choice. Yes, it’s a fantastic place, and coffee should be kept in a cool place. However, there are too many chances of moisture getting to the coffee and changing the flavor profile. A fridge or freezer is a humid environment and, as such, has a lot of moisture involved.
Also, they fluctuate in temperature, which is bad for business as it creates condensation in the coffee packet or container. If you decide to use a freezer as your storing option, you need to make sure that it is in bulk and that right after you remove it from the freezer, you use it. You could also apportion it so that you are only freezing the amounts that you need at a time. Never remove coffee from the freezer and put it back in again. Once you remove it, put it in a cool, dry place.
How to store ground coffee
To store ground coffee, find a place that is cool and dry. A pantry shelf will do the trick. No moisture can get to the coffee there. Neither is there light or heat. Make sure the coffee is kept in an airtight container, away from any moisture. Opaque containers are better used because they do not let light in. You can also keep the coffee in a container as long as it is in an opaque container where light can’t get to it.
