How and how much to store coffee beans at home
For lovers of aromatic coffee, storage is an acute issue. You need to know not only the intricacies of brewing, but also how to properly store coffee beans at home. Many people buy coffee beans for future use or in large packages. But over time, in an open container, the beans lose their smell and taste. Ground beans are even harder to store. Simple rules will help to retain the invigorating properties of the product longer.
General rules and principles
Non-compliance with the storage conditions of the packaging will affect the taste, the bouquet. The longer the packaging takes after opening, the less pleasure the invigorating drink gives you. You can store beans for long or short term. You need to know the factors influencing the quality of the product:
- access to oxygen;
- humidity;
- Heat;
- light.
Do not let the grains contact with spices, spices.Coffee should not be stored in a hot, humid place or in direct sunlight.
Characteristics and shelf life of coffee
The main rule of storage is that the tighter the packaging, the longer the properties remain. It is best to leave the beans inside the manufacturer's packaging.
To prevent the smell from escaping, it is best to close the packaging tightly, for example with a clothespin. Place in a glass container with a resealable lid. Put it on the cabinet shelf.
Fragrance can be lost within two weeks after opening the original packaging. Ground beans will lose 60% of their flavor after 30 minutes.
Green
Green beans keep for a long time. The raw materials are not strongly affected by sunlight and oxygen. Best stored in low humidity, moderate temperatures. For storage, it is better to use containers made of natural materials. Ceramic, glass, thick fabric will do. It is recommended to empty and dry the grains after six months. Green beans will stay fresh all year round if stored properly. Most of them will retain their properties for up to 3 years. Up to 5 years maximum from the date indicated on the packaging.
Roasted beans
Without opening the manufacturer's packaging, roasted beans can be stored for 10 months to 24 months. After being unsealed or roasted, they can be kept for a maximum of 14 days in a paper bag. Foil packaging with a check valve will preserve the grain bouquet for up to a year.
The foil wrap will keep the beans for up to 4 weeks. Up to 6 months will be stored in multi-layer paper bags.
Earth
Recommended for use after grinding.After grinding, contact with air occurs, which causes oxidation, valuable qualities are lost. With an average moisture content, the aroma will last up to 4 minutes. In hot, dry weather most of the aroma can be lost within seconds. If you need to store ground beans, it is best to use a small glass container. In addition, wrap with thick paper and put it on the cabinet shelf.
Soluble
Instant coffee uses high temperatures to remove moisture and essential oils. In the manufacturer's packaging, the drink can be stored for up to 2 years. After opening the manufacturer's packaging, it should be consumed no later than 3 weeks. To extend the shelf life, wrap your instant coffee package well. This will extend the period up to 2 months.
In capsules
The integrity of the coffee capsule packaging will ensure a shelf life of up to 24 months. If the capsule is damaged, do not use the product. It is allowed to use in 2-3 years after the expiration of the term.
Consequences of improper storage
Poorly stored grains alter the taste and aromatic properties of the drink:
- Air on contact will cause oxidation. This breaks down the components of the essential oil, which degrades the taste of the drink.
- The property of grains to absorb moisture leads to the fact that the fruits can become damp and moldy.
- Keeping beans near tasty foods will cause flavor loss.
Beans that have lost their aroma become tasteless, acquire a sour taste and can take on the smell of food. Such grains are absolutely not suitable for the preparation of an invigorating drink.
Storage Methods Overview
Where should the tightly closed packaging be stored? If you leave the glass container on the shelf, sunlight will strip the coffee of its flavor and rich color.
open shelf
Leaving it on an open shelf is not the best solution. Changes in kitchen temperature, humidity levels, lots of light, air, and intense odors will quickly render the beans unusable.
Closed kitchen cabinet
A simple cupboard in the kitchen is best for keeping food safe. Light protection, almost constant humidity. Only the cabinet shelf needs to be removed from the sink and stove. The best neighbor can be odorless foods - pasta, cereals.
It is good if kitchen furniture is made of natural materials, for example, wood with natural ventilation.
Fridge
Do not store in the refrigerator. The temperature regime of the chamber is from +2 to +6 degrees. This temperature is not suitable for the product. The continuous withdrawal of the package from the cold room to a warm room causes the release of condensation on the package. These liquid droplets are absorbed by the grains. They lose their freshness and can mold.
Freezer
If you need to keep your coffee fresh for a long time, the freezer is the best place. For daily use, it is best to wrap the portions separately after roasting.Frozen in this way, they last about two months. You cannot freeze the second time.
Choose a can to store coffee
The main requirement for a container is an airtight lid. Storing the beans in a jar is quite convenient. The silicone pad will keep air, moisture and odors out of the contents. Only fried grain should not be immediately poured into tightly closed containers.The jar is best opaque, or kept in a cupboard. When choosing a shape, it is better to give preference to a square shape to save space.
Pour as many servings into a container as you can cook in a week.
Metal
Such containers do not have good airtightness. This causes the aroma to evaporate. The beans absorb the metallic smell of the can, which carries over to the taste. It is best to store the grains in a tin or stainless steel container, additionally wrapped with thick paper.
Plastic
Plastic containers are not suitable for storing cereals. Plastic containers cannot provide a sufficient seal. Therefore, air, moisture and odors get inside. The grains will absorb the smell of the plastic. A drink prepared with a taste of plastic will not please anyone.
Glass
The best choice is a glass jar and an airtight lid. Such a container will protect against moisture and prevent the absorption of unpleasant odors. Properly selected glass containers will help preserve the taste and aroma of grains.
Ceramic
A ceramic pot is a good choice. It's hard to find ceramics with a lid that closes tightly, and normal lids won't work. The container must have a side clip. Ceramic does not have specific odors, therefore, it will not be able to transfer foreign aromas to the beans.
TREE
Aesthetic wooden crates are completely unsuitable for such purposes. Eco-friendly wood can only be used for kitchen decoration and ornament. The tree will not be able to protect the contents from moisture penetration.After 6 days in a wooden box, the grains are oxidized by the access of oxygen. When ground coffee is stored in a wooden container, oxidation will occur much faster.
Impact of expired product on human health
There is not a single officially recorded case of poisoning with a drink made from stale beans. Bean or ground coffee loses its taste and aroma at the end of the expiry date. This process happens fastest with a soluble product. The caffeine dose decreases with storage. This drink will not give you vigor.
Signs of product deterioration
Green coffee beans have an irregular structure after the expiration date. They do not smell or look unpleasant, they crumble when squeezed. On the contrary, they can be hard and brittle. Roasted beans that are spoiled can be identified by:
- weak aroma;
- rancid smell;
- brilliant shine;
- dark color.
Ground coffee in a leaky container loses up to 90% caffeine in a month. Spoiled instant coffee turns to a dark liquid when brewed, just like coffee capsules.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistakes made when storing coffee beans at home:
- you should not use containers where there was a different variety before;
- you cannot add coffee, even of the same kind, the remains of the beans have already lost some of their properties;
- improper storage in unsealed packages will worsen the quality of grain;
- the humidity and light of any coffee will age it.
Additional tips and tricks
- Coffee must be purchased for 2 weeks.
- It is best stored in a glass or ceramic container with a side clip.
- Choose a place in a cabinet away from the stove, spices.
- Do not refrigerate.
A freezer is suitable for long-term storage if the conditions - portioned packaging are met. With the right containers and storage locations, coffee will delight you with its delicious aroma and taste even after a few months.