Coffee beans, like many other products, do go bad in the freezer. This is because coffee grinders, the devices used to grind coffee beans, will lower the concentration of the coffee’s flavor and aroma. This is unfortunate, as freshly ground coffee is some of the best tasting coffee you’ll ever have. Here’s a few do’s and don’ts for making your coffee from home and keeping it fresh.
Coffee beans are virtually shelf stable, meaning that they will last for years, on a shelf, without expiring. Like many other dried goods, including uncooked pasta and rice, coffee does not go bad, at least not in its initial state, but it certainly does lose its fresh flavor over time. This is largely due to the oxygen oxidation process that occurs in the coffee bean’s bean bag. The aroma is not affected, but the taste of the bean is altered slightly. To preserve its aroma, store coffee in a dark place out of sunlight.
The oxidation process can take between one and three months. It starts when the coffee is harvested, during the rainy season. The beans begin to oxidize when the sun dries them out and turns their darker shades. Over time, they become less aromatic. This process can speed up, depending on how fast the beans dry out. If you store your coffee in the fridge, you should notice that it is still fresher than when you brought it from the fridge.
Do not use instant coffee while it is in its original container. The container should first be cooled after opening. Then, you can re-store it within two weeks of purchase if you do not like the smell. Storing coffee in its original container has the added benefit of preventing mineral deposits from building up around the device. However, this will cause the Instant coffee to lose much of its freshness, and you may find that you have to reheat it within two weeks of storage in the fridge.
Another thing you should do is try to keep your coffee away from air. When coffee is stored in the fridge, air and moisture collect around it. Moisture warms it up, giving it a malty taste. On the other hand, air creates a stale environment that degrades the flavor of coffee. If you do not want your coffee to lose its aroma, and if you do not want to use the Instant coffee once it is stored, it is a good idea to keep it stored in a dark cupboard with adequate air circulation and kept out of the sunshine.
It is not only coffee that you should avoid freezing. Milk, for example, should never be frozen as it loses its creaminess within a day or two of being thawed. It is important to note that this does not apply to coffee, as coffee does not lose its taste after it is heated. In fact, it may become even more aromatic and delectable after being roasted. If you do not like coffee that has gone through this process, or if you are not comfortable letting it go through this process, you can simply purchase canned coffee instead. You will still get a nice cup of coffee, and at the same time, you will not lose the freshness of the milk.
As far as coffee is concerned, there is really nothing special that you need to do to preserve it. After roasting the coffee, you simply need to leave it in its original packaging. If you store it in an airtight container, you can expect it to retain its freshness for up to a year. However, if you do not want to make sure of its freshness, you should consider buying coffee in small containers.
This is because coffee that is kept in a small container, such as a container that is placed inside a brown paper bag, is not exposed to atmospheric changes. It stays frozen even up to 40 degrees Celsius, which is about the room temperature. When it is kept in room temperature, it might begin to oxidize and turn black easily. In addition to this, if coffee is kept in a container which is kept in the freezer, it could possibly freeze further if the surrounding temperatures drop. For this reason, you should make sure that the coffee comes in its original packaging when you buy it from coffee shops, even if you buy it in small quantities.