7 Tips on How to Keep Coffee Beans Fresh
A cup of coffee at any given time is definitely refreshing and enjoyable. There are many health benefits associated with coffee and no wonder it’s one of the favorite beverages for many people. There are many different ways of preparing your favorite cup of coffee thus giving you a host of options to enjoy.
Whether you want to enjoy a latte or a cappuccino, iced coffee in Ice Genie Ice Cube Maker, or hot in a cup with milk, the choice is yours. Freshly roasted, grounded and brewed coffee beans offer the best taste which the roasting process offers the characteristic flavor that you enjoy.
That said, it’s good to remember that coffee just like any other farm produce is perishable. Proper storage, therefore, is essential not only for a well-pleasing flavor but also to keep it healthy for your body. Immediately upon roasting, the freshness of coffee beans starts waning.
This means that with time the flavors will also start diminishing if not properly stored. Proper storage means keeping the ground coffee from moisture, light, heat and air, 4 elements that can accelerate its degeneration. In this article, we shall look at 7 tips on how to keep coffee beans fresh for unadulterated quality and flavor.
1. Store in a airtight container
Having understood that coffee beans are susceptible to air, the first step towards proper storage is to keep it from the same.
As such, you should make sure that your coffee beans are stored in a sealed, airtight container as a way of preventing oxidation and extending their shelf life.
There are different available containers designed to force oxygen from inside before locking the lid thus guaranteeing that no air is locked inside during storage. The choice of your storage container therefore matters and should be done carefully.
2. Keep the coffee beans from light
Since light affects the shelf life of your coffee beans, storing them in an opaque container or canister is advisable. Generally, coffee should be stored in a dark place.
If you must store your coffee beans in a glass jar after roasting them, make sure to keep them in a cupboard or pantry rather than leaving them in the open.
Some people argue that freezing coffee beans could help in the preservation of flavors while extending their life. However, you shouldn’t freeze the coffee beans once you’ve roasted them as this will affect that natural freshness.
If you have ever frozen cereals and other foods, you will agree that at the end of the day moisture does set in at some point. Coffee beans are also very absorbent especially when roasted and will absorb both moisture and odors of the surroundings thus impacting on its flavor and overall integrity.
4. Only buy and roast in small quantities
To maintain the freshness of your coffee beans, always avoid buying and roasting them in large quantities. Instead, you should consider roasting and grinding coffee beans that will last you for one or two weeks and only replenish your stock once these are finished.
If you opt for pre-grounded coffee, make sure to buy it in smaller packages to protect it from frequent exposure to moisture, air and light. Only grind what you need at any given time if you opt for whole coffee beans.
5. Consider raw or green coffee beans
If you know how to roast coffee beans, buying them raw or green would be a better option. Unroasted coffee beans can stay longer and retain the fresh flavor which gives you room to only roast what you need in the short term.
6. Opt for whole grains
If you have a bean to cup coffee machine at home, you can easily grind your roasted coffee according to your preference. This shouldn’t be a problem since the coffee-making machines come with coffee bean grinders that’ll give you the best coffee-making experience at home. Whole coffee beans have a way of retaining freshness much longer compared to ground coffee, thus the reason why you should opt for them and only grind when you need to brew your favorite beverage.
7. Keep your coffee beans away from direct heat
As earlier mentioned, heat is also an enemy that should be avoided when storing your coffee beans. Instead, you should make sure that the storage space is cool and dry. This means that the shelf, cabinet or cupboard where you store the coffee shouldn’t be near the oven or the window where it’s exposed to direct sunlight.
Conclusion
For better coffee bean storage, understanding the basics is very important. Always remember that your beans are susceptible to heat, air, moisture and light. With this in mind, you will be able to keep the coffee beans fresh and maintain the aroma and flavor that’s characteristic of coffee, one of the world’s best beverages.
