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Harvesters obtain seeds or coffee beans from the cherry fruits that coffee plants produce. African and Latin American nations are home to native coffee plants, which are members of the Rubiaceae family of plants. The plants, which eventually develop into medium-sized trees, blossom each spring with beautiful white flowers before bearing green fruit that resembles berries. These cherries are picked by coffee farmers when they turn a deep crimson colour. Roasters add flavour and aroma to coffee beans before packaging them to prepare them for brewing. There is an infinite variety of coffees due to variations in plant species, growth conditions, roasting techniques, and brewing techniques.
The roasting date and coffee storage both have a significant impact on the shelf life of coffee beans. Batches of beans must rest after roasting in order to complete the release of carbon dioxide, a natural preservative. Purchase beans no later than three days after the roasting date for filtered coffee and seven days for espresso. The coffee beans are at their most flavourful during this time.
Here are a few ways to store your coffee beans:
1. Freezing Coffee Beans
There is nothing good or bad about freezing coffee beans. It's acceptable to freeze them, just like you would bread or any other food you want to preserve if you're travelling on vacation, for instance. Additionally, according to some professionals, freezing coffee beans can result in a more uniform grind. Pre-ground coffee is already less fresh than whole beans, so freezing it won't improve the coffee's quality or make it any worse.
2. Airtight Container
The four main enemies of your beans are air, moisture, heat, and light. Store your beans at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container to keep their freshly roasted flavour for as long as possible. Although coffee beans can look attractive, stay away from clear canisters since they can cause your coffee's flavour to suffer. Beans should be stored in a cold, dark area. Both a place on the kitchen counter that receives direct afternoon sun and a cabinet near the oven is frequently excessively warm. The retail packaging for coffee is typically not the best for long-term storage. Whenever feasible, spend money on airtight storage containers.
3. Store Whole Coffee Beans
Whole coffee beans have a longer shelf life than ground coffee. The oxidation process accelerates after the coffee beans are ground, resulting in a weakened flavour. Pre-ground coffee from the grocery store, even if it is vacuum-sealed, will taste stale to coffee consumers who enjoy freshly ground coffee.
