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What is the best way to store coffee beans and grounds?

Things you need to know to keep food tasty for longer

How do you store your coffee beans and grounds?

By knowing a little about the factors that change the flavor of coffee, you will naturally understand how to keep it tastier. This article will introduce some easy-to-follow tips for preserving your coffee. Reading this may help you enjoy your coffee even more!

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1. Why coffee storage is important

1.1 Coffee beans whose flavor changes after roasting

The flavor of coffee beans begins to change the moment they are roasted. Immediately after roasting, they are in their freshest state with a pronounced acidity and aroma, but over time the aroma and flavor contained in the beans gradually disappear.
Have you ever thought, "My coffee's aroma seems weaker recently," or "The taste seems a bit flat?" This may be because the storage environment has caused the flavor to deteriorate. By practicing proper storage methods, you can enjoy the fresh aroma and taste of your coffee for a long time.

1.2 Main factors that ruin coffee flavor

There are five main factors that affect the taste and aroma of coffee beans:

01oxygen
After opening, beans or powder are exposed to oxygen in the air, which causes oxidation and leads to a deterioration of flavor. After beans are ground, the surface area in contact with oxygen increases, making the flavor more likely to change.
02humidity
Humidity is the enemy of coffee beans. If stored in a humid place, they will absorb moisture, which can cause a loss of flavor, and in the worst case scenario, they may even develop mold. It is best to store them in a dry environment.
03light (ultraviolet light)
Exposure to light and ultraviolet rays can cause the beans to change color and weaken their aroma, so it's important to use light-blocking packaging or containers and avoid direct sunlight.
04temperature
Temperature changes have a significant impact on the storage of coffee beans. High temperatures in particular accelerate deterioration, so it is recommended to store them in a cool place.
05State (beans or powder)
Storing beans in their whole form keeps the aroma and carbon dioxide gas inside the beans, allowing the flavor to last longer. On the other hand, storing beans in their ground form increases the surface area, causing the flavor to deteriorate more quickly.

Important points for saving

Taking these factors into consideration, the following methods are effective in preserving the flavor of coffee.

  • Store as beans: Beans last longer than ground beans.
  • Use an airtight container: We recommend using an airtight storage container to prevent the effects of moisture and oxygen.
  • Store in a cool place: Store in a cool, dark place to avoid overheating.

By keeping these basics in mind, you can enjoy the rich aroma and flavor of coffee for longer.

2. How to store coffee beans and grounds

2.1 Basics of storage: Knowing the difference between beans and powder

When considering storing coffee, it's important to understand that the appropriate storage methods differ between beans and ground coffee. Beans are less susceptible to oxygen, moisture, and light than powder, so they tend to retain their flavor relatively well. On the other hand, grinding coffee into powder increases the surface area, which means it tends to deteriorate more quickly. The key is to use different storage methods depending on whether you buy coffee in ground form or ground coffee.

2.2 How to store powdered ginger

The roasted coffee beans have already been opened, so the aroma and flavor of the ground coffee can be easily lost and careful storage is required.

  • Use an airtight container: Powder absorbs moisture and oxygen easily, so store it in an airtight container. Even if the bag it came in has a zipper, it is safer to use a special container.
  • Refrigerator/freezer storage: When storing powder, it is recommended to use the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerated storage is for short-term storage, while frozen storage is for long-term storage of several weeks or more.
  • Use it up quickly: Since the flavor inevitably deteriorates when it is in powder form, it is best to use it up within 1-2 weeks of purchase.

2.3 How to store beans if purchased as whole beans

If you buy beans in their whole form, they will deteriorate more slowly than powder, but they still need to be stored properly. If you store them in the following way, you can enjoy their delicious flavor for longer.

  • Store in a cool, dark place: After opening, store the beans in a cool, dark place away from moisture and light. It is recommended to use a light-blocking bag or container.
  • Storing in the freezer: If you want to store it for a long period of time, the freezer is effective. When freezing, it is recommended to divide it into small portions so that you can take out only the amount you need.
  • Grind just before drinking: Storing whole beans helps preserve the aroma and flavor better than powder. Grinding just before brewing allows you to enjoy fresher coffee.

By practicing storage methods that are suited to the characteristics of both beans and ground coffee, you can maximize the aroma and flavor of your coffee. Choose the method that best suits your lifestyle and coffee consumption pace.

summary

To maintain the flavor of coffee beans and grounds, it is important to remember the basics: avoid high temperatures and humidity, seal bags or containers, and store in a cool, dark place (preferably in the whole beans rather than grinding them into powder).
in particular,

  • If you buy it ground, seal it and store it in the freezer.
  • If you buy whole beans, they will be fine at room temperature for 2 to 4 weeks, but store the rest in the freezer.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the flavor of your coffee for a longer period of time.