One of the most popular drinks in the world is coffee, but like any other food or beverage, if it isn't stored properly, it can go bad. A good cup of coffee requires fresh coffee beans, but how can you tell if your beans have gone bad? There are other warning indicators to watch out for besides references to the expiration date. Coffee beans do have a shelf life even though they might not go bad as quickly as the milk you use in your coffee. Here's how to determine if your morning cup of coffee tastes a touch weird or if poor beans are to blame.
It is crucial to keep in mind that these indications are not always easy to interpret. Although different bean varieties may exhibit different traits, there are some universal signs that the beans may be poor.
A musty or mouldy scent is one indicator of poor coffee beans. If such is the case, they have probably spoiled. Coffee beans ought to smell earthy and rich. If the smell alone leaves you uncertain, you can also keep an eye out for a few telltale signs. The ideal cup of coffee won't be produced by coffee beans that are greasy or discoloured either. Because the oils are leaking out and deteriorating, beans that appear shiny may also smell bad.
Two weeks after being roasted, coffee beans might begin to deteriorate. Therefore, if your bag of coffee beans was roasted more than two weeks ago, you should be on the lookout for these indicators. You may feel and taste the beans in addition to looking at and smelling them. Pressing coffee beans between your fingertips should leave them feeling crisp rather than soft. And if you go so far as to make a cup of coffee from dubious beans, then you may anticipate a rather bitter flavour to come through. Even as the coffee is brewing, it might not smell very good.
Storage Tips
You can make sure you're always sipping fresh, delectable coffee by keeping an eye out for these indications, which include mouldy aromas, oiliness, and discoloration among others. Remember to utilise your beans within two weeks after the roasting date and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.
Store coffee beans in a dry, cold location, such as a cupboard or cabinet, away from the oven, toaster, or any other item that frequently emits heat.
Even though those glass jars are quite attractive, it's not a good idea to expose your beans to direct sunlight. All the delicious fragrant chemicals in your coffee will be destroyed by light before you can ever taste them.
Coffee beans are not one of the foods that should be kept in the refrigerator, despite this advice being frequently given. Every time you take coffee out of the fridge, moisture will condense on the beans, compromising the flavour and safety.
Since the temperature difference in the freezer is higher than it is in the refrigerator, the same guidelines apply. This rule has one exception, which we'll discuss in more depth below.