Green Beans

The storage length time that green (unroasted) beans may be stored depends on several factors, the most important of being humidity, air circulation and temperature. They must not be subjected to temperature variations or else the flavour will decline rapidly. They should be used within 2 years and stored in a stable environment. Ideal humidity is around 50 - 55 % and temperature around 22 degrees. You must not store green beans in airtight containers as they need to breath. Store them in a jute sack or paper bag, never plastic. Make sure you keep them away from strong sunlight.

Roasted Beans

Once the beans have been roasted they deteriorate gradually so are best used within 6 months, but they must be stored properly. You can prolong their freshness by storing them in an airtight packaging and put in a freezer for up to 12 months. You may use the beans in small quantities as and when required. Recently there has been much debate about the effects of moisture that's the beans are exposed to when defrosting. Be sure to never put frozen beans into a grinder!

The fridge is a better option or storing the roasted beans, but should also be put in an airtight container, although there are still issues with condensation. It's important to keep the containers clean since the oils from the roasted beans will build up and become rancid damaging the flavour of the beans. The best plan is to store your roasted beans in an airtight container in a cool place out of direct sunlight, and to use them as quickly as possible.

Ground Coffee

Ground coffee deteriorates very quickly. Grind the coffee immediately before use but if you choose to buy it ready-ground then it is best to buy it in very small quantities and use it as quickly as possible. Modern production processes for ground coffee purge the oxygen from the packaging to prolong the shelf life, but once the packaging is opened the coffee will be exposed to oxygen and will deteriorate quickly. Observe the "best before" date on unopened valve bags or pressurised tins of ground coffee.