The best ways to store coffee beans of all kinds (unroasted, roasted and ground coffee)

When it comes to coffee, no matter whether it is green, roasted, or ground, proper storage is essential for preserving flavor, aroma, and freshness. In addition to investing in quality coffee beans, learning how to store them correctly can make all the difference in the final cup.

This blog post is devoted to sharing the best way to store green coffee beans, roasted coffee, and ground coffee.

1. Factors that make well-preserved coffee

Coffee storage has come a long way in the last few years to address the challenge of finding a balance between two extremes: one being too porous and the other not porous at all.

You should take into consideration the impact of moisture content, temperature, light, time, pests, and storage/packaging options. With all of these factors in mind, you can ensure to provide the perfect storage for your coffee.

2. How to store green coffee beans to lengthen their longevity

Ever wondered how long you can store green coffee beans? Well, with proper storage, you can enjoy your favorite cup of joe made with these delicious beans for up to a year.

Even after that, you can still get an aromatic and flavorful cup of coffee with these gems! Green coffee is naturally porous and hygroscopic, meaning it is easily able to absorb moisture and other scents, making it just that much more special to brew.

Moisture Content

When freshly harvested green coffee beans are still in their pure, unprocessed state, they have a delightful moisture content of up to 50%.

But when these beans are ready to be sent on their way to be enjoyed by coffee lovers around the world, the moisture content should be reduced to a more optimal level of 11%.

Humidity is such an influential factor when it comes to the quality of our beloved coffee. Too much humidity will surely cause mold to grow on the beans, while too little can make them dry and diminish their flavor.

Temperature

It’s often said that “if it’s comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for your coffee”! And when it comes to finding the perfect temperature for storage and transportation, this is the ideal rule to live by. After all, when temperatures increase, the air is better able to retain more and more water molecules.

As temperatures heat up, so too does the amount of moisture in the air. Conversely, cooler air holds less moisture, which lends itself to the idea that chillier air is optimal for storing green bean coffee. Most experts suggest keeping beans at room temperature, which generally falls between 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light

The majority of coffee growers dry their harvested beans in the sun, an incredibly cost-effective measure that does not require the use of any specific equipment. The bright light of the sun is just what these beans need at this point of their journey, allowing the moisture levels to be reduced from roughly 50% to 11%.

To keep green bean coffee as tasty as possible, it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight. Instead, store them in a dark room or in an opaque container, and you’ll have an ideal cup of coffee every time.

Pests

Although some producers may opt for the use of pesticides, traditional fabric bags can sometimes make a pest infestation more likely. This is especially true if the beans within the burlap or jute bags haven’t been dried to the ideal levels. To help ensure that this doesn’t become a problem, it is best to take the right precautions.

Time

What a relief it is to know that you can store green coffee beans in a stable, cold, dark, and pest-free environment for up to twelve months without sacrificing their delightful taste and aroma! Don’t forget to keep track of these deadlines when you’re organizing your storage.

Bonus: Packaging

Hermetic packaging solutions and Multi-layered Hermetic Storage Bags are more than mere bags, they’re magical tools, ensuring that the finest quality of coffee reaches coffee lovers the world over. Eco-friendly coffee packaging has made its way around the globe, revolutionizing the way we store food with its eco-friendly presence.

More tips and tricks on storing green coffee bean

• Tip 1: It’s absolutely essential to think about the best place to store your coffee beans. To ensure the best possible taste, it’s best to store them in a cool, dark cupboard, away from the sun’s warmth and away from any windows. Keeping them away from direct light will help keep them fresh and flavourful!
• Tip 2: Keeping your coffee beans at room temperature is the key to preserving their delightful flavor and aroma! If you freeze them, you’ll need to open the packaging each time you want to use them, which could allow moisture to enter and cause the beans to lose their flavor.

3. What are the best ways to store roasted and ground coffee?

Roasted coffee preservation

If you want to keep your roasted coffee fresh and flavorful, it’s best to store it in a unidirectional foil bag for no more than three months. For a longer shelf life, store your coffee beans in a glass container in a cupboard, away from any kind of light.

Did you know that roasted coffee beans produce a delightful carbon dioxide, which can impact the flavor of your coffee if it is not allowed to release its aroma?

After roasting your delicious coffee, give it a day to rest so the excess carbon dioxide can escape. If you want to preserve your roast for later use, you can invest in valve bags. Valves make sure oxygen stays out, but these bags can be a bit pricey and hard to come by.

If you’re not using roasted coffee beans for a couple of weeks, a great way to keep them fresh is to place them in a zip bag, vacuum, and freeze them! Though some believe that keeping them in the refrigerator might not be the best idea, as it could dilute the flavor of the beans due to the moisture that’s left.

Keeping your roasted coffee in the fridge not only helps to keep it fresh but also allows it to absorb some of the wonderful aromas in the refrigerator, enhancing the flavor of the coffee.

Ground coffee storage tips

For those of us who love to savor the flavor of freshly ground beans, proper storage is essential in ensuring that the flavor remains vibrant far into the future. Let us share four tips for storing your grounds so that you can enjoy your favorite blend for as long as possible:

Ground coffee is the most delicate form of coffee, and it’s best to enjoy it within a few days of grinding it. To ensure its freshness, we recommend storing it in an airtight container, and away from any light that may compromise its quality.

To ensure your coffee grounds are kept at their peak freshness, it’s best to avoid storing them in a moist environment. Freezing is not the ideal choice for preserving ground coffee, so it’s best to keep it in a cool and dry place.

No matter how carefully you store your ground coffee or how delicious it tastes, it’s best to use it up within a month. To get the most out of your purchase, we recommend you use your freshly ground coffee within a week and any whole-bean coffee within a month.

For the freshest cup of coffee, hold off on grinding your beans until you’re just about ready to enjoy them. When stored whole, your coffee beans will last much longer than when they’re ground, so aim to get them in the grinder within a week of when you’re planning to use them. Then, go ahead and grind away for that perfect cup.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to make sure your coffee stays fresh for as long as possible, we’ve got you covered! We’ve listed some great tips to help you preserve your coffee, whether you’re buying retail or bulk. If you have other methods of preservation that you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment and let us know.

Plus, if you’re interested in purchasing coffee in bulk, RacaCoffee is the perfect place to start – just get in touch and you’ll get timely quotes and detailed advice!