Storing your coffee beans is one of the most important factors – second only to picking the right type – for making a delicious cup of joe right at home.
The coffee-drinking culture around the world has undergone some massive changes in the last few years. Now, more people prefer to buy local, freshly-roasted beans instead of picking up jars of instant coffee at the supermarket. The rise of specialty coffee roasters has also helped cement the idea that freshness, flavor, and quality are inextricably linked. This means that the sooner you brew a coffee after it is roasted, the better and more flavorful it is. It is recommended that an opened bag of coffee beans should ideally be enjoyed within two to four weeks. But there are a few factors that can affect the quality of the beans after you have opened the bag, compromising their taste. This is why proper storage is imperative.
If you are shelling out almost $20 for a bag of light roast whiskey flavored coffee, it is only right that you store them the right way.
Here are a few simple tips to store your coffee beans for maximum freshness and flavor:
Buy the right amount
Store them in an airtight container
Do not freeze your coffee beans
Do not throw away stale beans
As mentioned earlier, coffee beans are best enjoyed not more than four weeks after roasting. This is why you should buy smaller quantities to maintain optimal freshness. If you love your daily cup, you can also sign up for a subscription, which will not only save you money but also ensure that your favorite coffee arrives at your doorstep right when you need it.
Exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light can greatly damage the flavor and freshness of your coffee beans. If you want to preserve their decadent roasted flavor for as long as possible, store your beans in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Although coffee beans in clear canisters look aesthetically pleasing, opaque containers are the best choice because they don’t allow any light to fall on the beans.
Avoid putting your bag or container of roasted coffee beans in the freezer or even the fridge. Frozen beans do not taste as good after they are thawed. Moreover, coffee beans are also quick at absorbing flavors. If you keep any aromatics like garlic in your freezer, the beans might take on some of that flavor. Unless you like such wacky combinations, chances are you wouldn’t want your morning cup of coffee to have a garlicky undertone.
If you are unable to finish your coffee beans before they become stale, don’t throw them out. There is a special kind of brew that you can make with them: cold brew. The thing with cold brew is that it tastes good even with old coffee.
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