Coffee Bean Storage
If we’ve followed all the coffee gurus and sought out and bought freshly roasted coffee how do we keep it fresh? All the experts will tell you that coffee is affected most by light, heat and moisture so we shouldn’t just leave it on the counter an open brown paper bag like I used to do a long time age. Coffee beans should be sealed away in an opaque airtight container like those white jars with rubber seals that are easily found to store other items…a metal container with an airtight lid or a glass jar tightly sealed and kept away from light will do. I often use the container that the coffee came in if it’s a lined bag with a resalable top and a one way valve. If not I transfer it to a sealed container. Don’t use those plastic food containers as the coffee will pick up the plastic odors and affect the taste of the beans. A lot of people think that storing the beans in the refrigerator will keep them fresh. This is a big no no! Remember that moisture spoils coffee beans and the fridge can be pretty damp. And of course taking it in and out of the refrigerator can cause condensation. So fridges are out! But what about the freezer. Well some experts will freeze their beans in freezer proof air tight packages if they are unable to buy just enough fresh beans for about a weeks worth of coffee…this can actually work pretty well and if you buy fresh beans in bulk in larger lots because you are a distance from your local roaster or you are buying online – it can be economical and practical. |
