FTC/ASA Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you purchase via my links. Thank you in advance for your support! 🙏 It means a lot to me. ❤️
Introduction
Storing coffee beans is a lot like storing fresh herbs and spices. You don’t have to be very picky, but it’s best to keep the beans away from moisture, light and hot temperatures (even though you may get them in such conditions). However, there are some ways that you can make sure your beans stay fresh once you’ve acquired them:
Find a container that seals tightly
Once you’ve purchased your coffee beans, it’s time to find a place to store them. If you have an airtight container on hand that seals tightly, this is the best option. Alternatively, if you don’t have one and can’t find one at the store, consider using resealable bags instead. These will keep moisture out of your beans’ environment and prevent them from going stale too quickly as long as they’re kept in a cool place (below 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Avoid letting the beans come into contact with moisture
Moisture is the enemy of coffee beans. It can cause them to go stale and lose their flavor, as well as give you moldy beans if left in a damp environment. To keep moisture out of your coffee bean storage, wrap them in paper towels before putting them into airtight containers; this will absorb any excess moisture that’s on them.
If you’re keeping your coffee beans in an airtight container like a mason jar or Tupperware, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. This will ensure no bugs or moisture get inside your vessel and ruin everything inside!
Protect the beans from air
The second step in maintaining freshness is to protect the beans from air. Air is the enemy of coffee beans, and they need to be kept in an airtight container. This can be done by separating them into smaller containers or bags and then placing those containers into one larger bag or container with a tight seal. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, place your coffee in an airtight container such as Tupperware that has been filled with rice or beans (the rice will absorb any moisture). The goal is to create as much space between each bean as possible so that no air can reach them.
Keep your beans in a cool, dry place away from heat sources which could cause them to lose flavor quickly. Also keep them away from light since light will damage the oils inside the bean which causes it to go stale faster than usual; however, it isn’t necessary to store your coffee completely in darkness either because some light exposure might actually help preserve its flavor profile better than storing it completely covered up all day long!
Keep coffee beans in an airtight container that’s kept cool, dry and dark to preserve their flavor and freshness
- Use a container that seals tightly.
Coffee beans are sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Exposure to these elements can lead to rapid degradation of the coffee bean’s flavor and freshness. To prevent this from happening, store your beans in an airtight container that seals tightly (e.g., a metal or glass jar). If you’re using a plastic container, make sure it’s opaque so that no light gets in and spoils your beans’ delicate flavors.* Use a container that isn’t too big or small for the amount of beans you have stored.* Make sure your storage vessel doesn’t have any cracks or holes in it because these will allow moisture into the bag or box containing them.* Don’t store coffee beans near food items like flour because they can absorb odors from other foods
Coffee tastes best when the beans are stored correctly and consumed within 30 days of roasting
Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, dry place. It’s best to avoid refrigerating or freezing them:
- Refrigeration will cause the oils in your coffee beans to go rancid. This results in a bitter taste that doesn’t pair well with any of the other delicious flavors you’ll want to enjoy when you’re sipping on your morning brew.
- Freezing can also cause damage to your precious coffee beans by breaking down their cell structure, which means that they won’t work as well when it comes time for roasting them!
Freezing or refrigerating your beans won’t affect their taste or quality
While it may seem counterintuitive, freezing or refrigerating your beans won’t affect their taste or quality.
“Coffee doesn’t freeze well in the freezer,” says Ric Rhinehart, executive director of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). “The oils will start to separate out when they’re frozen.”
There are some exceptions to this rule. If you grind beans into a powder and then freeze them, you’ll want to avoid using them in your coffee unless you plan on adding milk or cream. The same goes for beans that have been ground with additives like walnut shells or cinnamon sticks—these can introduce extra flavors that’ll overpower what’s already in your cup.
In general though, freezing and refrigerating coffee is perfectly fine; it won’t affect the flavor of your brew one bit!
Keep bags of coffee away from direct heat sources like ovens and stove tops
- If you have a coffee maker or espresso machine that has a warming plate, keep it off when you’re not using it.
- Don’t store coffee in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.
- Don’t store coffee in the oven or microwave, as this can cause damage to the beans and make them less flavorful.
Conclusion
Coffee is an investment, so it’s important to store it correctly so you can enjoy it for as long as possible. When the time comes to brew a cup of your favorite beans, follow these tips for keeping your coffee fresh and flavorful all year round!
Brewhilda.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.