Specialty Coffee Bean Shelf Life Coffee Bean Storage Methods Factors Affecting Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans

Introduction

How long do coffee beans last?

What's the best way to store coffee beans?

Should coffee beans be stored in the refrigerator?

The freshness of coffee beans directly affects the flavor expression of a cup of coffee. Proper storage is an important factor that influences the freshness of coffee beans. FrontStreet Coffee needs to emphasize that coffee bean storage is mainly divided into two types: one is the storage of raw coffee beans, and the other is the storage of roasted coffee beans. Raw bean storage requires attention to humidity and temperature to avoid mold and insects; roasted coffee beans require attention to humidity, temperature, and oxidation, as oxidation accelerates the dissipation of flavor in roasted coffee beans.

How to Maintain the Freshness of Roasted Coffee Beans?

First, let's understand the "killers" of coffee bean freshness.

Coffee Bean Freshness "Killer" ①: Light Source & High Temperature

Light source refers to sunlight. The heat from sunlight accelerates the volatilization of aromatic substances (aroma) in coffee beans, so never place coffee beans directly under sunlight for exposure. The inner layer of coffee bean packaging sold by FrontStreet Coffee uses aluminum foil, whose main function is to reflect light, but it doesn't achieve true heat insulation, so coffee beans should still be stored away from heat sources.

Coffee Bean Freshness "Killer" ②: Humidity

Humidity refers to moisture in the air. Originally dry coffee beans, when left in a humid environment for extended periods, will inevitably be invaded by moisture when opened, even with the protection of a sealed container. Moist coffee beans are prone to spoilage and produce off-flavors like mold, which directly affects the taste expression of coffee. Therefore, a dry environment better maintains coffee bean freshness.

Coffee Bean Freshness "Killer" ③: Oxygen

Reading this, you might say: "Oxygen is everywhere, it's impossible to avoid oxygen~" Don't worry, this isn't about completely preventing coffee beans from contacting oxygen, but rather minimizing the contact time between oxygen and coffee beans. When we open the package and take out coffee beans, the remaining coffee beans in the package/container should be sealed as quickly as possible to slow down the oxidation rate of the coffee beans.

After Understanding the Three "Killers" of Coffee Bean Freshness, What Should Be Used to Store Coffee Beans?

One-Way Exhaust Valve Sealed Packaging Bag

Freshly roasted coffee bean packaging generally comes with a one-way exhaust valve. The principle of the one-way exhaust valve is that when coffee beans in the package continuously release carbon dioxide, causing the internal pressure to reach a certain level, the gas pushes open the valve and exits. Since the valve only opens when the internal pressure exceeds the external pressure, it prevents external air and moisture from entering while expelling gas. Using the original coffee bean packaging for storage without a sealed container is an excellent choice, but remember to press the sealing strip properly~

Vacuum Sealed Container

A vacuum sealed container works by pressing the exhaust button after closing the lid to expel oxygen from the container and enter a sealed state. At this point, coffee beans continuously release oxygen inside the container that cannot escape. Under the pressure of the vacuum environment, carbon dioxide will envelop the coffee beans, thereby slowing down the dissipation rate of coffee flavor.

How Long Can Coffee Beans Be Stored?

The coffee bean freshness mentioned above refers to the optimal flavor period of coffee beans, which is the peak period when coffee beans present their best flavor. The optimal flavor period of coffee beans is within 4-30 days after roasting is completed. Coffee beans past their optimal flavor period don't mean they can no longer be consumed, but rather that even if stored properly, the coffee flavor will still dissipate. Therefore, coffee beans after 30 days may exhibit insufficient aroma, blandness, and other situations. Setting aside flavor and aroma, the shelf life of roasted coffee beans is 365 days.

Can Coffee Beans Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

Coffee beans should not be stored in the refrigerator. When coffee beans enter a refrigerated state and are then taken out, the significant temperature difference between refrigeration and room temperature causes moisture to form on the surface of the coffee beans.

When coffee beans with moisture are ground, you'll see the coffee powder form uneven clumps. Clumped coffee powder not only affects even extraction during coffee brewing but also, the moist coffee powder will get stuck in the grinder burrs. If the burrs are not cleaned and dried promptly, this will continue to affect the grinding and brewing flavor of every subsequent batch of coffee beans.

Conclusion

FrontStreet Coffee doesn't recommend purchasing too many coffee beans at once. Finish one package before buying the next one, which better ensures the freshness of coffee beans~

And those coffee beans whose flavor has dissipated can be ground into coarse powder and placed next to the refrigerator or pet nests, where they can help absorb odors~

For more professional coffee knowledge, please follow the WeChat official account: FrontStreet Coffee

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473