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Green (raw, unroasted) coffee beans can be stored easily in almost any clean container for about a year without significant change in flavor. Green coffee can be stored for several years with only minor changes in flavor characteristics, most notably diminished acidity and a possible increase in body. The critical element to avoid mold and flavor taints is the climate (air, odors, humidity) the beans are exposed to.
Do Not expose your precious coffee beans to:
- Sunlight
- Freezing temperatures and thawing
- Extreme temperatures
- Extremes in humidity
- Water
- Your refrigerator, it's full of things that smell
- Strong smells like air fresheners, cleaners, scented candles, etc.
Roasted coffee beans will remain really fresh for about ten days if stored properly.
How to properly store roasted coffee beans:
- Cool freshly roasted beans to near room temperature immediately.
- Place beans in an air-tight scent-free container with room to expand or an air-tight container with a one-way valve to let carbon dioxide escape
- Plastic food bags will work if much larger than the volume of beans
- Solid plastic seal-top bowls do not work they may pop open
- Squeeze out excess air if possible, and seal
- Date and label
Do Not expose your fresh roasted coffee beans to:
- Sunlight
- Freezing temperatures and thawing
- Extreme temperature swings
- Extremes in humidity
- Water
- Your refrigerator; it's full of things that smell
- Strong smells like air fresheners, cleaners, scented candles, etc.
Grind whole bean coffee only when ready to Brew for fresh coffee.
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