how do you store green coffee beans long term

Maximizing Shelf Life Expert Tips for Long Term Storage of Green Coffee Beans

For coffee connoisseurs, few things compare to the flavor and aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans. While roasted beans only stay fresh for a short time, unroasted green coffee beans have a much longer shelf life. With proper storage methods, green coffee beans can retain optimal flavor and freshness for years.

Read on for tips from coffee experts on storing green coffee beans for the long haul Learn how to choose storage containers, optimize temperature and humidity, and avoid the pitfalls that diminish green bean quality over time.

The Benefits of Storing Green Beans

Green coffee beans have higher stability than roasted beans for several key reasons:

• Their natural oils remain intact prior to roasting. Oils degrade faster when exposed to heat and air.

• They contain more moisture. Roasted beans dry out quickly.

• No acidic compounds have developed yet. These increase during roasting.

• A protective parchment skin surrounds each bean acting as a natural barrier.

With proper storage, green beans stay energized and ready for future roasting for up to 3 years or longer.

Choosing the Right Container

Start with an airtight, opaque container specially made for coffee storage. Key features include:

• Tight-sealing lid prevents air exposure. Vacuum sealed is ideal.

• UV light blocking to prevent light degradation.

• Double grip seals to ensure an airtight interior.

• Material that doesn’t impart flavors (glass, stainless steel or ceramic).

• Enough capacity to hold desired volume (1-5 gallon range).

For large batches, food grade plastic buckets with gamma lids also work well. For maximum freshness, store beans in single use portions to avoid repeated air exposure.

Optimizing Temperature

Temperature plays a huge role in maintaining flavor and shelf life. The keys are cool, stable temps:

• Store around 60-70°F, the ideal range for green beans.

• Avoid temperature fluctuations which accelerate deterioration.

• Prevent freezing, which damages cell structure.

• Keep away from heat sources like ovens or hot pipes.

A climate-controlled basement or pantry offers prime real estate. For those in hot climates, refrigeration preserves freshness even longer.

Controlling Humidity

Low humidity saps moisture from beans, making them stale and brittle. Monitor conditions with a hygrometer and use these tips:

• Keep humidity around 50-60%. Higher can encourage mold growth.

• Place a humidipak in the container to regulate moisture.

• If too dry, add a small bowl of water to humidify the storage area.

• In humid climates, use added desiccants to prevent caking.

Let Beans Rest Before Use

After long term storage, green beans need a brief rest period for full flavor development.

• Allow beans to sit at room temp for 5-7 days before roasting.

• This stabilizes moisture levels and allows aromatics to fully form.

• Beans roasted too soon after storage will taste flat and dull.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Steer clear of these detrimental scenarios:

• Storage near pungent spices, chemicals or gasoline – imparts unpleasant flavors

• Exposure to heat, sun or repeated warm-cool cycles – ruins cellular structure

• Opening storage container frequently – introduces excess air causing oxidation

• Inconsistent humidity levels – leads to shriveled or moldy beans

• Beans stored in original burlap bags, unsealed plastic or paper – allows aromatics to escape

Getting the Roast Right

Home roasting is an art. For best results:

• Use a dedicated roaster, not oven or pan methods.

• Roast beans medium level to retain some acidity and complexity.

• Allow beans to de-gas for 12-24 hours post-roast before brewing.

With proper techniques, roasted beans stay fresh about 2 weeks. For maximum enjoyment of your stored green beans, plan roasting in small batches.

The Payoff

Nothing beats the taste of a perfectly roasted small batch coffee. Dedicate a corner of your pantry to preserving your green bean investment. Follow these guidelines for rich, flavorful cups of coffee for years to come.