How To Store Coffee

How To Store Coffee. 

How To Store Coffee. If you're a coffee enthusiast, then you really treasure a good, smooth and flavorful brew. And chances are you're willing to pay a premium for good beans. But did you know that how you store your coffee once you get it home can make a huge difference in its flavor? Improper storage means you're not only missing out on the full taste of the coffee you select, but you're essentially throwing your money away! Why spend money on great coffee only to have it lose its flavor?

It's important to know that most of the flavor in coffee is contained in the natural oil the beans produce. Preserving these oils as long as possible is the key to great taste. (These oils are also what make a good crema on an espresso, by the way). However, as soon as the roasting process begins in the processing plant, the oils start to degrade, so the race is on!

That's why, if at all possible, you want to get whole beans direct from a roaster close to you. Despite the fact that coffee only grows in certain areas of the world, there are most likely roasters in your area. These companies import the raw coffee beans and roast them themselves, usually in small batches. Check to see if your market carries a local brand or if a nearby roaster can ship directly to you. The key here is to get the beans as soon as possible after they have been roasted.

Is getting beans from a local roaster not an option? You can still make the most of what you have available. Again, it's best to buy whole beans. The longer the coffee bean stays intact, the more oils it retains. Don't have a grinder at home? You may want to consider getting one. They're very inexpensive and easy to use. However, grinding coffee every day is not for everyone. It all depends on how much you're willing to compromise taste for convenience. If you absolutely must have ground coffee though, don't give up hope. There are ways to keep it fresh.

This is where storage comes in. A lot of people have been taught that it's best to store coffee in the freezer. It's actually the worst place to put it! Freezing shrinks the beans or grounds, drying them out. Taking the coffee from long-term storage in the freezer to short-term storage on the counter is even worse - expansion causes any remaining oils to crack and further dry up.

So what about the refrigerator? That's no good either. Moisture is also the enemy of coffee oils. If the refrigerator or freezer was the best place to store coffee, that's where you would find it in the grocery store, right? Another good reason to avoid the refrigerator is that coffee can absorb flavors. This is great for vanilla or hazelnut to the roast, but you definitely don't want fish or onion flavored coffee!

Your best bet is to keep beans or ground coffee in an air-tight container, in a dark cabinet, and at room temperature. If possible, keep only what you will need for a few days in one container, and store any remaining coffee in a second air-tight container. This will limit the exposure of the bulk of the coffee to air and light.

If stored correctly, whole beans will stay fresh for up to three weeks. You should plan to use ground coffee within 12 days. Therefore, if you grind your own coffee, grind only as much as you need at one time.

So, for the best-tasting coffee, follow these guidelines:

• Buy from local roasters if possible
• Buy whole beans over ground coffee
• Purchase coffee in small batches
• Never store coffee in the refrigerator or freezer
• Store coffee in an air-tight container and place in a cool, dark cabinet
• Grind only as much as you need at one time

If you follow these simple rules, you should be able to get the very best possible aroma and flavor out of the coffee you buy!

Source: ezinearticles