Where you store your freshly roasted coffee beans at home can have a big impact on the quality of coffee you make.
If not stored correctly, we quickly run the risk of a coffee lovers’ worst nightmare – dull coffee!
Merlo Coffee’s expert Q Grader, Simon, says that if coffee beans are stored incorrectly you will notice that they begin to ‘sweat’.
This moisture is actually the precious oils escaping from the beans, and with them goes the delicious crema and flavour that we enjoy.
Have you noticed that Merlo coffee bags and tins have a little valve located on the packaging?
This special feature is a one-way valve, designed to let the carbon dioxide that coffee beans naturally produce out while not allowing oxygen in. Oxygen and the oxidation process will alter your beans unique balance of oils, which will then impact how quickly the beans go stale.
Now, before delving into exactly where your beans should be stored, it’s important to consider the factors that affect coffee the most.
Heat, direct sunlight, moisture and oxygen are freshly roasted coffee beans' biggest enemies, and this means that generally speaking somewhere dark and cool is best.
The best temperature for coffee to be stored at is around 20 degrees - not too hot and not too cold.
Simon’s ultimate storage recommendation is the bottom shelf of a dark pantry or cupboard. This will keep your beans fresh and delicious for as long as possible - until it’s time to restock!
However, if you live in a hot and/or humid region, beans can also be kept in a frost-free freezer.
In fact, Merlo’s founder Dean Merlo prefers to keep his beans inside his freezer in an airtight container.
However, you do need to make sure the beans come to room temperature before grinding and using them.
Watch below as Dean goes through his morning coffee routine.
Skip storing coffee beans in your fridge though, as it will produce too much moisture on the bean.
By following this advice you can ensure your beans will stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible - until it’s time to restock.
If stored correctly, whole beans will keep their freshness for about six weeks.
Once ground, this is reduced to two or three weeks – a perfect excuse to buy yourself a grinder and grind your beans as you need them!
Do you have a favourite unique place to store your coffee? Share it with us on social via @merlocoffee!