What You Should Know About Storing Coffee Correctly

Coffee storage is an issue for every coffee lover, no matter what their level of experience. It's almost impossible to make a great cup of java from beans that have been stored incorrectly. Take a look at these ways of storing beans from some well regarded coffee organizations.

In a perfect world, grinding your beans is something you would do immediately prior to brewing.Regrettably, this isn't feasible for the general population. Still, it's a great idea to buy roasted beans and grind them at home. A great cup of coffee requires at least this much effort.

According to coffeeresearch.org, "whole bean coffee maintains its freshness the longest. The freshness of ground coffee will be lost in a matter of minutes since its protective cellular structure has been broken and the volatiles have been exposed to the environment to undergo oxidation."

The Canadian Coffee Association suggest limiting the amount of exposure that roasted beans have to oxygen, outside odors and moisture. To make sure that your coffee is fresh, use it with seven to ten days after it's been opened.

Move the beans to a suitable container for storing, after the package is opened. The bean's flavor characteristics can be maintained using an airtight, glass container, and storing it in a cool dry place. Filling the beans to the top of the jar will aid in avoiding contact with oxygen, reducing the chance of oxidization.

It would be great if you could vacuum pack your beans immediately after roasting. Within three weeks after roasting, whole beans will start to lose their freshness. By avoiding exposure to oxygen, vacuum packaging extends the freshness of whole bean coffee.

According to the National Coffee Association, it's not a good idea to refrigerate or freeze your daily coffee supply. This can cause the beans to quickly deteriorate as moisture enters. They advise storing beans in a ceramic or glass container that is airtight, and placing it in a cool and dark place. Avoid keeping the jar near the stove or on the counter. Understand that coffee beans bought at the store comes in packaging designed only for short term usage.

According to the National Coffee Association, almost immediately after roasting, beans begin to lose their freshness. Buying coffee based on how rapidly you consume it, is a good idea. Purchase small amounts of freshly roasted beans, and buy them often. An one or two week supply should be enough. Divide the purchased beans into two portions. A large portion to keep in an airtight container, and a smaller one to use immediately.

It's okay to store roasted beans in the freezer for up to four weeks. That's good news if you've purchased a large quantity on special. Make sure you have some airtight bags handy so you can wrap up small portions. Once removed, a bag should not be returned to the freezer. Instead, store the beans in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Anyone who loves coffee can brew a great cup, without things getting overly complicated. Only buy enough beans to last a week or two. Store them in an airtight jar, somewhere dry and cool. Just before brewing, grind your beans. Now enjoy your awesome cup of coffee.

By: Stephen Jeske

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Stephen Jeske is a freelance writer who loves coffee. You can discover a lot more about storing coffee at his blog Coffee Writer.