How to store coffee beans

Have you ever wondered if you are storing your coffee beans right? These magical little beans are the essence of all the fanciful coffee creations, from a caramel macchiato to a large double shot iced mocha frappe with whipped cream. Legend tells us that coffee was discovered when Ethiopian goat herder noticed his herd behaving erratically after eating berries from an unfamiliar tree. News of this spread, reaching a monastery in the area. The monks there experimented with the berries and found that roasting, grinding and then boiling the seeds produced a restorative liquid that we call coffee. When studying a barista course, you are taught that the way you store your coffee makes a significant difference to the outcome of your beverage and the integrity of the coffee beans.

Fridge versus pantry

Many people operate under the assumption that the best place to store coffee is in an airtight container in the fridge. This incorrect belief leads to the drinking of coffee with leached or contaminated flavour. Coffee is susceptible to heat, light, moisture, and air. It is a common deodoriser. Despite the airtight container, storing it in the fridge will allow the coffee to absorb the odours and flavours in the environment around it. Additionally, the coffee naturally releases moisture which will cause condensation that will affect the beans flavour. Instead, store your beans in a cool dark spot in the pantry. It provides a constant temperature and shields from sunlight and other sources of light and heat. Rather than using a plastic container, use a different material such as ceramic. This way it will not absorb odd flavours from the plastic. The thick ceramic protects from accidental exposure to light. Barista courses have a wealth of information to offer. Some useful to remember is that after beans have been roasted they start to lose their flavour. It is best to buy small amounts to use over a period of two to three weeks. This way you can make the most of your beans and get bang for your buck! Ready to learn more about the world of coffee making? Check out our barista courses today!