Storing Coffee Beans

Coffee is undoubtedly, one of the popular beverages across the world. While, some people use store-bought ground coffee, others like freshly roasted and ground ones, so that the freshness and flavor is not lost. Those who belong to the latter category, buy coffee beans, which are stored properly, so that they can grind them and use, as and when required. However, they have to be extra cautious in storing coffee beans, as the beans may get stale, if stored improperly.

Some Coffee Bean Facts

We all know that coffee beans are the seeds of coffee plants. These seeds are extracted from the fruits and processed to coffee beans, which are then roasted to various degrees, so as to produce different types of coffee. It is said that freshly roasted, ground and brewed coffee tastes the best. It is the roasting process, that is responsible for the characteristic flavor of coffee. Green coffee beans have a longer shelf life, as compared to the roasted ones and so, roasting is done, just before consumption. In order to get the best flavor from coffee beans, firstly, you have to store the coffee beans properly, secondly, once roasted, you must use the coffee powder, within a few days. The method of storing coffee beans will be different for the roasted ones and raw ones.

How to Store Coffee Beans

There are various factors, that can adversely affect coffee bean freshness, in normal conditions. The most important among them are air, heat, moisture and light. You have to protect the coffee beans from all these elements, so as to prevent them from getting stale. If you want to store green coffee beans, you can use opaque air tight containers, so as to prevent light and moisture entering inside. Keep those containers in a cool, dark place. It is always better to use ceramic containers for storing coffee beans. You may also use glass containers, but, make sure to keep them at dark places. Plastic and metal containers are not generally used for this purpose. It has been observed that such coffee beans remains fresh, for over a year. However, green coffee beans are not easily available and moreover, it involves lots of work, in order to transform them to coffee powder. So, many people prefer storing roasted coffee beans, which can get stale easily.

As far as roasted coffee beans are concerned, you have to use them within a month. It is said to be best, if you grind and use roasted coffee within two weeks. You have to use opaque, air tight containers for these beans too. In this case too, it will be better to use ceramic containers. Another factor regarding roasted coffee beans is that, this coffee beans release lots of gas, that may get accumulated inside the container and affect the flavor. So, you have to open these containers at least once a day, so as to vent the gas. Repeat the process for the first few days. Another alternative is to use valve bags, but, these bags can be expensive and are difficult to find. If you fail to use the roasted beans within two weeks of roasting, then, you can go for storing coffee beans in freezer. You have to pack the coffee beans in zip lock bags, after removing excess air inside. Then place the zip lock bag in a grocery sack, so as to protect the contents from light. Freeze the contents and once, you take it out, never go for refreezing.

If you want freshly roasted and ground coffee, use freshly ground coffee powder. Otherwise, you can go for storing coffee beans (either green or roasted) and grind them to powder, as and when required.