Coffee itself is a delicate mystery, and it is important to treat it right if you want it to be as fresh as possible. Many people have been told a myth that you need to freeze your coffee beans to keep them fresh, which is completely opposite from the truth. That is based on the fact that you do need to keep your coffee beans from heat and light because it will cause them to go stale even quicker, but two other enemies of freshly roasted coffee beans are moisture and oxygen. That is precisely the reason that if you do want to keep your coffee beans fresh, then you must not put them in your freezer or refrigerator.
The best way to store your coffee is in an opaque container in a cool and dry place, like a cabinet or pantry. This will keep them away from light and moisture, and they will remain fresher for a longer period of time. An easier way to do this is to use a nitrogen-flushed bag, which will seal the beans and keep them dry and free from oxygen until they are open. Many companies will also ship you freshly roasted coffee beans in a heat sealed valve bag, which will work to keep the oxygen out so that the beans remain as fresh as possible. This one-way valve will work to allow the gases from the coffee beans to escape from the bag without letting any oxygen in to corrupt the beans themselves.
After you have opened your bag of coffee beans, it is important to seal them in an airtight container between uses. You can also use an airtight bag, but you do need to make sure to squeeze out the extra air before you store them after using them. After that, make sure that you are placing them in a cool, dark, and dry place. You don't technically have to place your coffee beans in a dark place if they are in an opaque container, but make sure that you keep them out of direct sunlight. The best storage conditions would be in an opaque container with an airtight seal so that the coffee beans are protected from the outside elements.
One other thing to keep in mind that will make all of your coffee brewing completely successful is that coffee itself is a perishable item. Many people purchase coffee beans and keep them for months at a time, which is a definite no-no. Freshly roasted coffee beans will only remain fresh for up to 14 days, so it is much better to purchase your coffee beans on an as needed basis so that you can always trust that they will remain as fresh and as delicious as possible. Keep in mind that this is referring to whole beans, and as soon as coffee beans are ground, they become stale within 30 minutes. With these easy tips, you can count on a fresh and robust cup of Joe with every brew!
Chuggin McCoffee is a coffee fanatic that has spent the entirety of his career cultivating and studying all of the best uses and brewing styles for optimal coffee and espresso flavor. His specialty site for all coffee needs, supplies, and the commercial coffee maker can be found at www.thecoffeebump.com.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Coffee Articles Via RSS!
