Coffee Storage

Though it will not melt or sour like other treats in your kitchen, to get the best tasting coffee you need to store it well so it maintains its flavor and freshness. Coffee that is not properly stored will lose a significant amount of flavor, at a faster rate than you might expect. If you have invested in a particularly fine coffee, like a package of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, you do not want to lose its fine qualities! Following these simple tips should help you to protect this little luxury and brew beverages that are even more delicious.

Store Your Beans Whole

Though it requires a little extra work on your part, buying whole beans rather than grounds can make a world of difference in freshness. The reason behind this is surface area; ground coffee exposes to air much more surface area than compact beans, which makes it susceptible to the air. Increased exposure means that freshness will be lost at a more rapid rate. You can think of it like a tiny version of sliced apples; the parts of the apple exposed to open air will begin to brown very quickly, while the insides remain white. And, a whole apple (like a large coffee bean) will stay fresh for a considerably longer amount of time. Thus, for optimal levels of freshness, you should hold off on grinding your beans until just before you are ready to brew.

Choose the Right Container


The main factors you want to consider when choosing a good storage container are air and moisture. Both can be very damaging your coffee. The ideal container will have an air-tight gasket holding the lid shut. This will protect the coffee from air exposure as well as moisture.

Choose the Right Location

An ideal location to place your perfect container is going to be cool and dark. A pantry or cabinet is really the best choice, but a countertop that won't be in direct sunlight is fine as long as you are using an opaque container to keep light out. Though the freezer may seem like the perfect dark, cool location, don't store your coffee here! It may be dark and cool, but it is also incredibly moist, which is not good for your beans or grounds.

Start Fresh

Finally, be sure that the coffee you buy is fresh at the time of purchase. Coffee beans begin to lose freshness after they are roasted, so, if possible, purchase from a source that roasts your order just before it is shipped to you, or just before you pick it up.

J. Martinez is the owner of J. Martinez & Company Fine Coffees, selling gourmet estate and single-origin coffees from all over the world, including Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and Hawaii Kona Coffee. Learn more about Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee at http://www.martinezfinecoffees.com/specialty-coffee-espresso-blue-mountain/jamaica-blue-mountain-coffee.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7376298