There’s nothing better than having a fresh batch of roasted beans for your daily morning coffee. However, if that batch doesn’t stay fresh for long, you’ll notice the difference.
Coffee beans are affected by air, moisture, and light. All your Bun Coffee beans are roasted to order for maximum freshness and flavour. Therefore, if you don’t drink your coffee order within the first 2 – 3 weeks of receiving it, see below for some top tips on maintaining freshness.
1. Keep your beans airtight
If you are getting through your coffee bean supply at a steady rate and can turn over a bag every two – three weeks, the easiest storage method for keeping your beans airtight is to simply tie down your bun coffee packaging with a peg or band. The nature of the bag will keep them nicely sealed and away from moisture and light, keeping them brilliantly fresh.
If you are taking three weeks or over to use your beans or just want to keep them in a purpose-built container from the start, invest in an airtight container. We have the best range of purpose-built airtight coffee bean containers, including from brands like Airscape and Miir.
The reason for creating an air-tight environment for your beans is to stop them from oxidising. When your beans are exposed to oxygen it causes them to deteriorate, losing their wonderful flavour and aroma.
Another reason to use an airtight container is to prevent any external odours from contaminating your beans. Keep your beans sealed and away from any pungent foods or drinks, to ensure they retain their flavour.
2. Freeze your beans
Freezing (David’s personal favourite method): A frozen atmosphere involves minimal movement of air molecules and, therefore, minimal opportunity for the coffee to oxygenise. (Top freezing tip: Make sure you seal your bag properly in the freezer so no rogue freezer flavours infiltrate your coffee.)
If you’re worried about whether your beans can be ground from frozen, don’t be! Grinding beans from frozen does not affect the coffee or your grinder in any way (anecdotal evidence indicates it makes for a better grind).
3. Don’t expose your beans to any light
Roasted coffee beans, unfortunately aren’t a fan of the sun. Direct or even partial sunlight can have a negative effect on your beans and cause them to stale.
Investing in a completely blacked-out container (although perhaps to some not as aesthetic as a clear glass display jar) is the best way to keep your beans in top condition for longer.
4. Store at a consistent temperature
Roasted coffee beans kept at a cooler room temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius will keep their freshness for longer.
Be mindful of where you store your beans, as a cupboard next to an oven will feel the heat emitted by the oven. The same problem occurs if you store the beans on your bench in direct sunlight. Although it is a convenient location to grab them from, they will feel the effects of a temperature change, even if sealed in an opaque container.
5. Consider your quantity
Buying in bulk may seem like a cheaper option initially, but that won’t necessarily pan out in the long term.
The longer you store your beans the more they will decrease in quality, potentially causing you to abandon a packet for a new one before you have finished it. To maintain the freshest beans, buy in smaller quantities to get through the whole packet before they lose their lovely, rich aroma and flavour. We have a coffee bean subscription program that means that rather than buying in bulk, you’ll get regular, freshly roasted coffee beans to keep you going!
If you are determined to buy in larger amounts, separating your beans into multiple smaller quantities is best. This way you are only opening one container of beans at a time, keeping the others sealed until use.
6. Keep away from moisture
The humidity of your home or wherever you store your coffee beans may also be wreaking havoc on them.
High humidities bring moisture to the air, which coffee beans love to suck up. If your beans are exposed to moisture, they will absorb that moisture. If you live in a high-humidity climate, combat this by keeping that air out by using an air-tight container for storage.
7. Grind as you brew
Grinding your beans in preparation for your coffee may be convenient, but after a while, it won’t produce the delightful rich taste you’re used to. As soon as you grind your beans, you’re increasing the surface area exposed to the oxidation process. It’s best to only grind the amount of coffee you need at that moment to keep your beans lasting fresher for longer.