Most all coffee enthusiasts understand that the key to the perfect cup of coffee is selecting the ideal beans. There are many variables in that process that you can find by searching the web, but instead of looking at mounds of conflicting information, it’s essential to go to a sound resource.

Companies whose specialty is coffee will not only give you the optimum guidance on which beans will give you the premium morning brew, but the trusted supplier will also educate you on the history of the beans and how these should be stored for the most outstanding longevity after purchasing the product.

Storage is a primary consideration since many people will buy more than they will use in one instance, making it critical that the remainder be kept adequately to maximize freshness and flavor. Hence, the first cup will not then be the last best cup.

Storing Coffee Beans For Maximum Flavor & Freshness

Freshness and quality with specialty coffee beans are intertwined to where you should brew coffee as quickly as possible after the beans have been roasted. The guidelines indicate that a bag of beans needs to be enjoyed no more than four weeks after roasting ideally.

There is a period of “resting” where carbon dioxide escapes from the beans after building up when roasting. A basic rule indicates that beans be roasted and then coffee be brewed and enjoyed after three days, but if it’s espresso that rule changes to seven days.

If you don’t intend to use the beans in one sitting or at one time, there are specific storage rules that apply and particular situations that impact the overall freshness of the coffee. Find out methods for storage of grounds and beans at https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-store-coffee-765325/. Let’s look at some of these factors.

• Sun exposure: Coffee exposed to UV rays or heat will deplete the beans of their flavor rapidly.
• Oxygen: As is true with perishable foods, coffee’s organic molecules will lose flavor and break down in integrity with extended oxygen exposure—the process references as oxidation.
• Time: As time passes, coffee stales, plainly and simply. That might mean it’s not suitable for brewing or enjoying a bold morning cup of joe. But it doesn’t mean that there aren’t other possible uses. Research recycle purposes.
• Dampness: Beans are similar to porous compounds in that they absorb the flavor of what is surrounding them when there is exposure to humidity and moisture.
• Ground coffee purchases: When you purchase ground coffee beans before you’re prepared to brew the coffee, oxidation has already begun, and the grounds are already starting to stale much faster than what a whole bean will since there is a vast surface area exposed to the oxygen.

Technically speaking, coffee beans won’t expire or go bad, but they will lose their aroma and flavor. That kind of translates to bad, right? How much worse can you get? Adequate storage and quick brewing can ensure the integrity and preserve an exceptional drinking experience coffee lovers expect. View here for details on whether you should place these in the pantry or the freezer. How can you assure freshness when storing your beans? Let’s look.

Storing Coffee Beans To Maximize Freshness And Flavor

When purchasing coffee beans, most people generally buy more than they’ll need for a week or two. That means you’ll need to store what you don’t use properly to preserve the flavor and the freshness.

There are specifics to the process that will extend the lifespan of your coffee beans. Follow these steps to ensure the longevity of your purchase.

●    Make sure to store in an airtight container.

One of the most important steps is to ensure the products go in an airtight container to extend their lifespan. In specific containers for this purpose, there are often valves to release the oxygen from the container. You’ll see these often on packages you buy in the stores, so there’s no oxidation. That is detrimental to the beans.

●    Keep the container away from direct sunlight.

When storing the containers of beans, keep these in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight or in a container that isn’t transparent or clear like glass. If you prefer glass jars, keep these in a darkened pantry or in the basement with your canning supplies to avoid interaction with the sunlight.

●    Avoid ground coffee in favor of whole beans.

Ground coffee is known to lose its freshness and flavor at a much faster rate than whole coffee beans, which is why beans give such a premium taste every time. The suggestion is always to wait to grind the beans right before you intend to brew to attain optimum freshness.

Grinding does make a difference when it comes to freshness. Check with specialty coffee services to find out how you can achieve the best result, especially if you don’t have access to some of the high-end equipment.

●    But when you’re ready.

Only buy coffee when you’re ready for the brew, making sure to purchase small batches at a time to ensure you maintain flavor and freshness. Some coffee brands will offer subscription services for their customers to receive their favorite options only when the time is right for their specific needs.

It’s essential to research for reliable, reputable companies from whom you can purchase the brands and blends you enjoy and trust. With the right resource, they will guide you towards a schedule where the coffee will always be at its best, even if you need to store a portion.

Final Thought

The primary takeaway is buying beans over ground coffee is the way a coffee lover wants to go since ground coffee has already begun to degrade. Ideally, you’ll want to ensure to work with a company that can guide you through the process of buying only the beans that you need when you need them to ensure optimum freshness and flavor at all times.

If you tend to buy a little more than necessary, you’ll know how to store the extras with the guidelines provided here, so the first cup and the last are equal in taste and quality.