For some of you that are searching for coffee bean storage methods, this title might seem like an intriguing subject. In fact, you might be wondering if this is real or it is just some fad to lure you into reading this article.
It is real. I am going to highlight two methods that would allow you to preserve your roasted coffee beans for at least two years, but my question to you is why would you need to preserve your coffee beans for such a long time?
That is for you to think about. Now, let’s explore the methods that can help you preserve the beans for years. The first method is what some coffee companies are employing now, it is to seal the coffee packaging with nitrogen.
Many coffee roasting companies are using this method to lengthen the shelf life of their roasted beans. First, they draw the oxygen from the tin, then they inject nitrogen inside and pressure seal it.
Without oxygen inside, the oxidation that would usually take place after roasting is slow to a halt, it is still taking place but at a very slow pace. So, this packaging would allow you to have fresh coffee even after two years.
However, this is a method that is costly and not readily available. You can probably find this at some larger coffee roasting company and get them to seal it for you. This is the best way to seal the freshness of coffee, and the only drawback is its high cost.
The next method is a very low cost and very simple to do. However, reversing the process is not easy. One of the easiest ways to preserve the beans is to freeze it. Freezing stops the chemical process of oxidation from taking place, but brewing the beans after that requires some very good time estimation.
Generally, freezing the beans, would allow you to keep it for at least a year and you do not need any special coffee packaging equipment.
Similarly, when thawing the beans, you also do not need any special coffee packaging equipment, but you do need to have some precision timing to brew the beans. If the beans are not thawed long enough, it would be too hard to grind. Beans that are not fully thawed are as hard as a rock and grinding it is likely to break your grinder blade.
From the time you take out the beans to brewing, it should not be more than four hours. If it is lesser than that, you risk spoiling your grinder. But what if the timing is more?
As coffee beans thaw, condensation will also take place and water droplets would form on the surface of the beans. If too much water gathers on the surface, the beans will saturate with water and start to lose its flavor even before it is used to brew any coffee.
Yes, it is not easy to use the freezing method to store the beans, and the nitrogen method is not cheap. It seems like there is no perfect solution to storing beans for the long haul.
But, my question is, why would anyone want to store their coffee beans for such a long time? Most of us live within an hour drive to the supermarket or the coffee supplier in town. Isn’t it easier to purchase coffee in custom coffee bags? Leave a comment to let us know how you like to preserve your coffee beans.
