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The best containers and storage locations for coffee beans
Maintaining the freshness of your beans is essential to enjoying your daily coffee. Roasted coffee beans are very sensitive to changes in air, humidity, light, and temperature, and their aroma and flavor can change dramatically depending on how they are stored. In this article, we'll provide detailed information on how to choose the right storage container and the best storage location to keep your coffee beans fresh for as long as possible. We'll provide practical tips, focusing in particular on the container, storage environment, and humidity and light management.
What causes coffee beans to lose their freshness?
The first thing you need to know is what causes coffee beans to deteriorate. There are four main factors that cause deterioration:
The combination of these factors causes the aromatic compounds and oils contained in the beans to break down, resulting in a loss of flavor. Since beans are particularly susceptible to exposure to air after opening, maintaining a good storage environment is key to preserving their deliciousness for as long as possible . Even if you drink coffee on a daily basis, a little ingenuity can dramatically improve its flavor.
How to choose a storage container: Airtightness and material are key
Choosing the right storage container is very important to keep coffee beans fresh. The key points are airtightness, light blocking properties, and the quality of the material.
Choose a tightly sealed container
To minimize contact with air, choose a container that can be tightly sealed . We recommend a glass jar with a gasket on the lid or a canister type that can be sealed with one touch. There are also vacuum containers available on the market that are specifically for coffee, which can remove the air from inside and store it in a near-vacuum state.
We also pay attention to the materials
Storage performance also varies depending on the container material.
Especially if you are storing it in a place exposed to direct sunlight, it is best to use a container that blocks light, such as a colored glass or metal container . Also, considering that you will be opening and closing it frequently, it is important that the container has a structure that opens and closes smoothly and tightly. The size of the container is also an important point. If you use a container that is too large for the amount of beans, the surface area that comes into contact with the air will increase, so choose a size that matches the amount you need.
What is the ideal storage location?
Even if you have the right storage container, the beans will lose their freshness quickly if the storage environment is poor. When choosing a storage location, keep the following conditions in mind.
Many people consider storing beans in the refrigerator, but frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator can cause drastic changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause condensation and deterioration of the beans . This is especially undesirable for opened beans. If you absolutely need to store them for a long period of time, you can also freeze them, but be careful about how often and how much you take out, and it is best to divide them into small portions so that they can be used up at once. After freezing, you can prevent condensation by sealing the bag before thawing them to room temperature.
Humidity and light management: beware the invisible enemy
Humidity and light are invisible factors that accelerate the deterioration of coffee beans. Coffee beans absorb moisture easily, and their aroma compounds are easily decomposed by light.
Humidity control
In Japan's humid climate, special care is needed during the rainy season and summer. The following measures are effective:
Light blocking
If you use transparent containers, make sure to store them on shelves or in drawers that are not exposed to sunlight . You can also consider tin cans or colored bottles. Even if you place them around the kitchen, you can achieve both functionality and appearance by choosing a light-blocking container that blends in with the interior. Be especially careful when placing them near a window where morning light streams in, as they are often overlooked.
Habits to avoid when storing coffee beans
It's also important to be careful about storage methods that you might be doing with good intentions. The following habits may be unknowingly damaging the flavor of food.
Storing coffee requires time and ingenuity, but this little effort is an important factor that can change the taste of your daily cup of coffee . The ideal style is to check the roast date of the beans you purchase and purchase an amount that you can use up within 1-2 weeks. Careful handling, such as making sure that no old beans remain at the bottom of the container when storing, will also help maintain quality.
summary
The key to bringing out the flavor of coffee beans is the container, storage environment, and humidity and light control. By choosing a tightly sealed, light-blocking container and storing it in a place with stable temperature and humidity, you can maintain the rich flavor of your coffee beans.
Storing coffee is just as important a process as brewing it when it comes to preserving its flavor. The more effort you put into it, the richer the aroma and flavor will be in your cup. Find a storage method that suits you and make your daily coffee time even more luxurious.
