Fresh Coffee Secrets; Get Those Beans Out of the Freezer!

Following this article, read more in our Coffee Bean Storage & Freshness article. You'll learn how to buy fresh beans and keep them that way… plus discover the no-fail fresh coffee test!

Contrary to popular belief, the freezer is not the best place to store coffee beans. While it's true that heat and light can cause coffee to become stale more quickly, freshly roasted coffee has two more powerful enemies – oxygen and moisture.

Although your fridge or freezer may protect coffee beans from heat and light, each time you remove the beans from the cold, or open the freezer door, a small amount of condensation forms on the beans. This excess moisture will cause the beans to become stale in a very short time. In addition, you are likely to notice the beans will absorb the smell of nearby foods.

So, if you can't use your trusty freezer, how should you store your coffee? Here are a few storage tips to keep your beans fresh for longer:

1. Nitrogen-Flushed Bags (with one-way valves)

By far the best coffee storage method available is a nitrogen-flushed bag. Thanks to today's advanced technology, these bags keep the beans dry and oxygen-free (at least until the bag is opened). Nitrogen is an inert gas, so it will not react with your coffee beans in any way. It is used to displace all the oxygen from the bag before it is sealed. The best nitrogen-flushed bags are fitted with a one-way valve. The valve allows the coffee gasses from the roasted beans to escape from the bag without letting oxygen in.

2. Air-tight Container

If your supplier does not provide nitrogen/valve bags, the next best alternative is to store your coffee in an air-tight container. Whether you use a container or bag does not matter. Always squeeze excess air from the container before storage.

3. Dry, cool & dark place

No matter which storage method you use, always keep your coffee in a cool, dark place… no not the freezer! The place you choose should be dry. A dark cupboard is ideal. Light-proof containers are also recommended, as long as they have an air-tight seal.

Remember, the enemies of coffee freshness are oxygen, moisture, heat and light. Choose a storage method that avoids these enemies and your coffee will stay fresh a little longer. If you would like to learn more about coffee storage and freshness, visit www.coffee-makers-cafe.com. You'll find a guide to buying fresh coffee, plus brewing and buying tips to help you make great coffee at home.

By Shona Lynch
www.coffee-makers-cafe.com

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