Coffee storage is something that every coffee lover needs to think about, no matter how much experience they may have. It’s almost impossible to make a great cup of java from beans that have been stored incorrectly. The following are some coffee storage suggestions from authorities on coffee.
If life was perfect, you could grind your beans instantly prior to brewing your cup of coffee.Regrettably, this isn’t feasible for the general population. Even so, you should buy whole roasted beans and grind them yourself. That’s the minimum requirement for a good cup of coffee.
Coffeeresearch.org reports that whole beans keep their freshness the longest. Once beans are ground, their freshness is lost in a few minutes. The protective cellular structure is destroyed and the volatile oils quickly oxidize as they are exposed to the elements.
The Canadian Coffee Association suggest limiting the amount of exposure that roasted beans have to oxygen, outside odors and moisture. You should only buy what you can use within the time frame of 7 to 10 days after opening, if you want to guarantee freshness.
After opening the package, transfer the beans to a proper storage container. Placing the beans in a glass airtight container and storing it in a cool dry place, will help the beans to retain their flavor. Minimizing the empty space at the top of the container will help reduce the exposure to oxygen.
Vacuum packing your roasted beans at home would be ideal. It only takes about three weeks after roasting, before whole beans start losing their freshness. By avoiding exposure to oxygen, vacuum packaging extends the freshness of whole bean coffee.
According to the National Coffee Association, it’s not a good idea to refrigerate or freeze your daily coffee supply. Moisture can enter the beans in these situations, causing rapid deterioration. Storing beans in an airtight glass or ceramic jar, is their advice. Remember to keep it somewhere in a dark and cool place. Though many people like to keep it near the stove or on the counter, this is not a good idea. Understand that coffee beans bought at the store comes in packaging designed only for short term usage.
The NCA feels that roasted beans start to lose their freshness almost instantly after roasting. It’s best if you buy coffee based on how fast you will use up the beans. Purchase enough freshly roasted beans to last for one or to weeks. Make sure to place your beans in an airtight container, keeping a smaller portion for your immediate use.
Roasted coffee beans can be stored for up to a month in the freezer. That’s good news if you’ve purchased a large quantity on special. Wrap the small portions in bags that are airtight. Don’t place a bag back in the freezer, once it’s been removed. Instead, store the beans in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
For most of us, we can get a fantastic cup of coffee while still keeping things simple. Don’t buy more beans than you will use in one or two weeks. Store them in an airtight jar, somewhere dry and cool. Grind your beans just before brewing, and enjoy.
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