Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

It's now time to take matters into your own hands! You are financially outraged at the price of a single cup of designer coffee shop coffee. So you are finally fed up with that bland black liquid, you once called coffee, brewed from the finest can of generic supermarket grinds.

You splurge on several pounds of the finest fresh roasted Arabica bean coffee the world has to offer. Even the engineers at NASA would envy the bells and whistles on this baby. So you invest in the latest technologically advanced coffee maker, including your very own coffee bean grinder.

No more long lines and outrageous prices at the neighborhood café for you! You feel like a mad scientist as you adjust every bell and whistle on your space age coffee maker and you revel in this accomplishment as you finish your first cup of home brewed gourmet coffee. Your eyes widen at the site of all those shiny brown beans as you begin to grind your first pound of gourmet coffee. You pop open the vacuum-sealed bag and release that incredible fresh roasted coffee aroma.

Now it's time to store all those pounds of unopened packages of fresh roasted coffee beans and the unused portion of the black gold you have just ground. Then you remember what your mother told you; "Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

"Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

Having the best coffee beans available and using the most advanced coffee brewing equipment will do little to provide you with the best cup of coffee you desire if the beans are not treated correctly. At this point, it would be best if you just returned to the supermarket and purchase a stock of those generic grinds you had grown to loathe.

Looking at the facts, we learn that the natural enemies of fresh roasted coffee are light, heat and moisture. Storing your coffee away from them will keep it fresher longer. Therefore, an airtight container stored in a cool, dry, dark place is the best environment for your coffee.

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark? This does make sense, but if it be the case, then why do we not find our supermarket coffee in the frozen food section?

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark?

Here's why!

• Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
• The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

• Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
• The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.

The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

There are some exceptions to freezer storing your coffee, but you should proceed with caution! Fresh roasted coffee will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. If you have more than you can use in this 2 week period you can, and I shutter to say, freeze your coffee but you should follow these steps:

• Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
• Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

• Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
• Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee

Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee? Simply put, Never ever, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee. The reasons why not to freeze fresh roasted coffee also apply here.

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee?

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

• Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
• Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

• Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
• Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!

Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

• Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
• Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
• Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
• Grind your beans just before brewing
• Enjoy!

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

• Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
• Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
• Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
• Grind your beans just before brewing
• Enjoy!

Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible

Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed

Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place

Grind your beans just before brewing

Enjoy!

coffee bean species and varieties

Depending on the region, species of coffee, roasting, and preparation, coffee beans can infuse a cup of coffee with a variety of flavors and textures. Two species of coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Canephora -- constitute more than 90 percent of the coffee beans sold on the international market. Two species of coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Canephora -- constitute more than 90 percent of the coffee we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, and continental southeastern Asia. Today, much of the coffee we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, and continental southeastern Asia. Once man discovered the coffee bean, its cultivation and use spread to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and beyond. There are 10 different species of Coffea bush, the first of which was discovered in Ethiopia some thousands of years ago. Each year, the Coffee bush flowers and develops a cherry-like fruit, inside which are typically two small seeds or coffee beans. The coffee beans we grind and use to brew coffee come from the Coffea evergreen bush, grown in over 50 countries around the globe. These beans are a lovely afternoon coffee, with a milder texture and flavor than its northern counterparts. They have a pleasantly fruity aftertaste, as does coffee brewed from Tanzanian beans. Kenyan coffees are also smooth, but a bit tartier than Ethiopian beans. Ethiopian coffee beans have an easy, smooth flavor and are delightfully accented by floral notes. In Africa, Arabica bean cultivation can be found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the northern Muslim countries, among others. The climate, soil, weather, and particular plants and seeds give regions their distinctive coffee bean tastes. These different region types are called varietals. Different regions of these countries are known for producing a different type of coffee bean; that is, a coffee bean lending a different flavor when brewed. Coffea Arabica bushes are grown principally in Western Africa and Latin America. Arabica beans are very flavorful and contain less caffeine than Canephora beans. The seeds of the Coffea Arabica bush are grown all over the world and account for 75% of the coffee beans we use to make our hot beverages. Canephora beans typically have almost 50% more caffeine than Arabica beans. Despite this, Canephora is still a very popular coffee bean, used worldwide in cheap, canned coffee blends and expensive espresso roasts. Less oil and higher acidity give coffees brewed from these beans a slightly more bitter quality. The seeds of the Coffea Canephora bush have fewer oils -- and in lesser quantities -- than Arabica beans do. Coffee beans grown in Latin America are of the Arabica variety, some regions grow Canephora bushes. A great variety of coffee bean flavors come from Latin America. Canephora beans are more widely cultivated in Asia than Arabica. These varietals are known for having a more acidic and bitter, although not unpleasant, flavor. Most of the coffee beans we use come from island nations in Asia, such as Sumatra and the island of Komodo. Coffees brewed from these regional beans have a full texture and a slightly acrid, herbal flavor. Java and Kona varietals are especially popular and make a wonderful morning coffee due to their earthy, almost stringent quality. Using an espresso machine to brew coffee also lends the coffee a strong flavor, as well as higher caffeine content. Some people opt for a French press, the use of which results in a stronger flavor and oily texture. These coffees are often produced using the drip method. City roast is common in western United States, and American roast is synonymous with eastern cities, including New York and Boston. French roasts are used to make espresso, because they have a high oil content and low acidity. The darkest roast is known as Italian, which is preceded by French, Full City, City, American, and other, lighter coffee roasts. Although coffee beans lose essential oils -- and caffeine -- during roasting, they change chemically during the roasting process, and acquire new, different and flavorful oils. As a rule of thumb, the greater the amount of time spent roasting, the darker, more full-bodied, and flavorful a coffee will be. Other factors that influence the taste of a coffee bean or cup of coffee are roasting methods and final preparation.

Two species of coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Two species of coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Canephora -- constitute more than 90 percent of the coffee we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, and continental southeastern Asia. Two species of coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Canephora -- constitute more than 90 percent of the coffee we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, and continental southeastern Asia. Today, much of the coffee we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, and continental southeastern Asia. Once man discovered the coffee bean, its cultivation and use spread to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and beyond. There are 10 different species of Coffea bush, the first of which was discovered in Ethiopia some thousands of years ago. Each year, the Coffee bush flowers and develops a cherry-like fruit, inside which are typically two small seeds or coffee beans. The coffee beans we grind and use to brew coffee come from the Coffea evergreen bush, grown in over 50 countries around the globe.These beans are a lovely afternoon coffee, with a milder texture and flavor than its northern counterparts. They have a pleasantly fruity aftertaste, as does coffee brewed from Tanzanian beans. Kenyan coffees are also smooth, but a bit tartier than Ethiopian beans. Ethiopian coffee beans have an easy, smooth flavor and are delightfully accented by floral notes. In Africa, Arabica bean cultivation can be found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the northern Muslim countries, among others. The climate, soil, weather, and particular plants and seeds give regions their distinctive coffee bean tastes. These different region types are called varietals. Different regions of these countries are known for producing a different type of coffee bean; that is, a coffee bean lending a different flavor when brewed. Coffea Arabica bushes are grown principally in Western Africa and Latin America. Arabica beans are very flavorful and contain less caffeine than Canephora beans. The seeds of the Coffea Arabica bush are grown all over the world and account for 75% of the coffee beans we use to make our hot beverages.Although many of the beans grown in Latin America are of the Arabica variety, some regions grow Canephora bushes. The beans here vary in flavor and texture, from dry and light to thicker and deeper in complexion and flavor. Mexico is also a great producer of coffee beans. Costa Rican coffee beans are similar to Brazilian, but have a lighter, sharper, almost tangy flavor. A favorite of many, Columbian coffee is very rich and bold, a great morning coffee, with a thick, dark texture and a walnut finish. Although many of the beans grown in Brazil lend coffee a slightly bitter cocoa flavor with rich nutty undertones. The beans here vary in flavor and texture, from dry and light to thicker and deeper in complexion and flavor. Mexico is also a great producer of coffee beans. Costa Rican coffee beans are similar to Brazilian, but have a lighter, sharper, almost tangy flavor. A favorite of many, Columbian coffee is very rich and bold, a great morning coffee, with a thick, dark texture and a walnut finish. Coffee beans grown in Brazil lend coffee a slightly bitter cocoa flavor with rich nutty undertones. A great variety of coffee bean flavors come from Latin America.Using an espresso machine to brew coffee also lends the coffee a strong flavor, as well as higher caffeine content. Some people opt for a French press, the use of which results in a stronger flavor and oily texture. These coffees are often produced using the drip method. City roast is common in western United States, and American roast is synonymous with eastern cities, including New York and Boston. French roasts are used to make espresso, because they have a high oil content and low acidity. The darkest roast is known as Italian, which is preceded by French, Full City, City, American, and other, lighter coffee roasts. Although coffee beans lose essential oils -- and caffeine -- during roasting, they change chemically during the roasting process, and acquire new, different and flavorful oils. As a rule of thumb, the greater the amount of time spent roasting, the darker, more full-bodied, and flavorful a coffee will be. Other factors that influence the taste of a coffee bean or cup of coffee are roasting methods and final preparation.