Whether it is early in the morning to start your day or late in the afternoon when you need a perk-me-up, it is hard to go wrong with coffee. However, not all caffeine fixes are the same. To ensure the best quality, you need top-notch beans.
It is not enough that you choose beans from trusted suppliers. It is equally important that you handle the beans meticulously, especially when it comes to storage. Proper storage helps in retaining freshness, so you can expect optimal flavor and aroma from your cup of coffee.
Are you clueless about how to store coffee beans? Read on and learn from some of the tips that are guaranteed to work!
Tips and Tricks for the Proper Storage of Coffee Beans
It is a good day. You started by grinding coffee beans in a blender and made your drink through your favorite brewing method. It is hot and ready to be enjoyed. First sip, and you are immediately disappointed.
What went wrong?
Among others, one of the possible culprits is the quality of your beans. Chances are, they are no longer fresh. To prevent such a nightmare, here are the best tricks for the proper storage of coffee beans.
1. Keep It in the Right Container
Based on the recommendations of the National Coffee Association, the best thing that you can do is to put the coffee beans in an airtight container. The storage lid should create a seal that will prevent external elements from reaching and damaging the beans.
By putting them in an airtight container, you will be protecting them from four of the greatest enemies of coffee beans:
- Air: The exposure of roasted beans to oxygen can ruin them in a matter of a few days. As it oxidizes, the beans will become stale, which also means that you will be tasting a weaker flavor.
- Moisture: When the jar is not sealed tightly, the humidity will hurt the beans. Since coffee is hygroscopic, it can absorb moisture, which means that the odor and taste of whatever is around it will affect the beans.
- Heat: Especially when it is stored next to a heat source, extremely high temperatures can be damaging to coffee. The best way to prevent damage from heat is to use a good jar wherein the effect of heat will be minimal or none.
- Light: It can compromise the quality of the beans, so it is best if you can stay away from clear jars. Aside from that, placing the jar away from direct sunlight will also help retain the beans’
Another important thing to remember is that the container should be non-reactive. Some of the best choices include ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. Other materials can trigger a chemical reaction, which will affect the overall profile of the coffee beans.
2. Consider Deep Freezing
You can preserve the flavor of your beans through deep freezing, especially if you won’t be using them any time soon. Even after a few months, your coffee can still taste great!
For instance, if you have a large batch of chocolate-covered espresso beans, it is best to divide it in half. Put one half in a jar for short-term consumption and the other half in the freezer for long-term storage. This makes it easy to preserve the chocolate flavor and freshness.
But before you put them in the freezer, you should remember some important pointers.
The best way to freeze coffee beans is to first put them in a vacuum-sealed container. This will prevent air from getting in the beans while they are frozen. Once you are ready to use the beans, take them out of the freezer and let them get to room temperature before grinding, which will let the beans acclimate.
One study from the Pennsylvania State University concludes that freezing beans is indeed an effective way to preserve the aroma. The molecules responsible for aroma are significantly reduced as a result of exposure to freezing temperatures.
3. Invest in a Vacuum Sealer
Whether you are freezing the beans or not, you will benefit from vacuum sealing. It will create a tight seal on the plastic bag, which also means that it will be free from elements that can make it stale or go bad, such as moisture. A vacuum sealer is handy not just for coffee beans but also for other perishable items.
Nonetheless, vacuum sealing is not a guarantee that you won’t ruin the beans. Even if it is already in a vacuum-sealed bag, you still need to store it properly. For instance, you should keep it away from light and direct heat sources.
The quality of the bag that you will use is equally important. Pick one that is thick enough to support the weight of the beans. The heavier the contents, the thicker the bags should be. It should not be prone to punctures to prevent oxidation.
4. Grind Only What You Need
It is tempting to grind coffee beans in a large batch, thinking that it can save you time. However, while it is indeed a time-saver, you are compromising the quality of the beans. They can become stale much faster once they are already in the form of coffee grounds.
On the other hand, if they stay as beans and if you observe optimal storage protocols, they can stay fresh longer.
As a rule of thumb, do not grind more than what you need. Think about the quantity of coffee that you will be preparing, and from there, you can decide how many beans will end up in the grinder.
Key Takeaways – How To Store Coffee Beans
Keep your beans fresh even after a long time! The secret lies not only in the quality of the beans but also in the manner of storage. Keep them in an air-tight container and protect against four of its worst enemies – air, moisture, heat, and light. Deep-freezing can also help, especially for months of storage. And best of all, grind only what is needed!
