If you are like me and you want the best cup of coffee possible, you have to up your coffee storage game. For coffee lovers, the journey from bean to brew is sacred. The perfect cup demands the freshest, most flavorful beans so achieving that perfect cup of coffee doesn’t just depend on the quality of the beans or the brewing method; it’s also about how you store those precious coffee beans when you get them home!
The Enemies: What Degrades Coffee Beans?
Before I dive into the storage solutions, it’s crucial to understand what deteriorates the quality of your coffee beans.
Coffee’s arch-nemeses are:
- Air
- Moisture
- Heat
- Light
Exposure to these elements accelerates the degradation of beans, leading to the loss of their aroma and flavor.
Choosing the Right Container: Airtight is Key
The first step to upping your coffee bean storage game is selecting an appropriate storage container to preserve that freshness! Opt for an airtight, opaque, and non-reactive container. An airtight storage container prevents exposure to oxygen, while an opaque container shields the beans from light. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers are excellent non-reactive choices. These containers do not react with the beans and preserves their flavor integrity. My personal favorite is the ceramic container with an airtight lid.
Keep it Cool and Dry: The Ideal Storage Conditions
I’ve told you about the solutions to store your coffee beans away from air and light, but remember heat and moisture are also enemies of coffee beans. This means storing them in a cool, dry place is imperative. Coffee is often stored in the kitchen, right? Makes sense since usually that’s where the coffee maker is and so we want those beans super close to get that coffee brewed to get our day started right! That being said, you’ll want to make sure the coffee isn’t near any heat sources like stoves or sunlight from a window. Instead, choose a pantry, cupboard, or a cool corner of your kitchen away from any direct sunlight and humidity. Remember, cool and dry!
The Freezer Debate: To Freeze or Not to Freeze?
To freeze or not to freeze, that is a hotly debated question among coffee enthusiasts. While freezing (cold=√) can halt the degradation process, improper thawing or frequent temperature fluctuations can cause condensation (wet=∅), damaging the beans’ flavor. If you choose to freeze your beans, you will want to make sure they are in an airtight container and only remove what you’re going to brew, allowing the rest to remain undisturbed in the freezer. If your container isn’t 100% airtight the coffee will absorb other flavors from the freezer and that will give you a very unpleasant surprise with your next cup of coffee! Who wants fish flavored coffee?! Not me! That’s why I highly recommend not freezing your coffee beans.
Buying in Bulk vs. Fresh Purchases: Finding the Balance
Buying coffee beans in bulk can be cost-effective, but it raises concerns about freshness which makes storage even more important! If you choose to go the bulk route, you will want to consider portioning those bulk purchases into smaller airtight containers for short-term use while keeping the remainder sealed until needed. For the best coffee experience, consider buying smaller quantities more frequently. I like to only get enough coffee for 7-10 days. At Five Lakes we are roasting and delivering to our stores every week and online orders are roasted to order. If you are not near a Five Lakes coffeehouse or don’t want to buy online search for a local roaster that you can support.
The Grind Dilemma: Whole Beans vs. Ground Coffee
Whole beans have a longer shelf life compared to ground coffee. The technical reason is because of their reduced surface area, which minimizes exposure to oxygen. Grinding coffee just before brewing ensures maximum freshness. Ground coffee tends to lose its flavor more rapidly and has more of a tendency to absorb other flavors from the air. Not that again! So, if deciding to buy ground coffee, store it in an airtight container away from light and heat; and seriously consider just buying enough coffee for 7-14 days at most.
Regular Checks and Rotation: Maintaining Freshness
This can be easily overlooked so don’t forget to regularly check on your coffee beans. Even under the most ideal storage conditions, time can become the forgotten enemy and degrade the quality. I like to use an erasable marker to write the purchase date on the container and make sure not to refill my storage container until it is completely empty. This makes sure I use the oldest beans up first. Find a rotation process that works best for your style!
In the end, preserving the quality of your coffee beans is an essential step in the pursuit of the perfect cup! By investing in proper storage containers, maintaining ideal conditions, and being mindful of purchasing and usage habits, you can enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of your favorite coffee every time!
Remember, every sip is an experience, and proper storage will help ensure that experience is Magical!!
I hope these tips help. I would love to hear your feedback and your best storage ideas at supercoffeebros@fivelakes.com
Have a great day!
Jared
