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Espresso coffee: how to store your coffee?

There is nothing more enjoyable for a coffee lover than to open a new package, brew a cup of espresso, or espresso andenjoy that incredible flavor. And you want that flavor in every new cup. Unfortunately, once the coffee is opened, the more days go by, the more the flavor disappears. Among the things you need to know about espresso coffee, the issue of storage is of great importance. To keep the freshness and taste of the coffee, some actions should be avoided, while others should be adopted. Here are some explanations.

 

What is an espresso coffee?

One of the most frequently asked questions is what makes espresso different from filter coffee. Although they are both prepared from ground coffee beans and hot water, the preparation is different. Indeed, the water used in the preparation ofespresso is highly pressurized and passes through the coffee more quickly.

It is therefore different because of its specific grinding and roasting. One of its specificities is the foam, called crema, which is found on the surface. This coffee is often characterized as being strong. It can be bought in beans or ground.

Choosing the right coffee

First of all, to avoid waste and to be sure that you can always enjoy a cup of coffee that you like, it is important to know how to choose your coffee. Indeed, it is possible to prepare your espresso with many types of coffee, which all have their own properties: some are sweeter, others more bitter, or even acidic. The two main elements that influence the intensity of the coffee are :

  • roasting: it is possible to observe the degree of roasting thanks to the color of the bean. When the bean is light, it will be more acidic and fruity. For the preparation of an espresso, it is advisable to choose darker beans;
  • theorigin of the coffee: for example, Central American coffees are often known for their acidity, while South American coffees are generally smoother.

Choose an airtight container

The coffee you choose to prepare your espresso is like any other coffee: it is fragile and does not like cold or humidity. If the bag is left open too long, the coffee will oxidize and lose its flavour and aroma. If you choose the right container, you can keep it between 2 and 8 weeks after opening, but it will not be as good, because it will have lost its flavors, due to the contact with air and light.

To best preserve coffee beans or ground coffee, avoid the following four elements:

  • extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold);
  • humidity;
  • LIGHT;
  • oxygen.

If these elements get through, the coffee loses its quality and is no longer as fresh. To protect it from these elements, you need a container that is as airtight as possible. Ceramic and glass containers are the most recommended. To avoid exposure to light, it is advisable to choose opaque jars. Most coffee merchants offer boxes dedicated to the preservation of coffee.

Avoid temperature changes

We've all seen a person converse with their coffee in the refrigerator. This is one of the most common mistakes. In fact, the refrigerator combines almost all of the elements mentioned above. The cold modifies the organoleptic parameters of the coffee, which come from the oils present in the beans. Also, repeated alternations between hot and cold should be avoided at all costs, as this creates condensation. Another reason why the refrigerator is not a good place to store coffee is because of the contact with other foods. The smells and aromas of food soak in everywhere and also in the coffee, which can give it a very unpleasant taste. It is best to store your coffee in a dry place at room temperature. To store your coffee properly, it is best to keep it :

  • in a place away from the oven and any other heat source in the kitchen;
  • in a closet;
  • away from the sun's rays.

It is possible to freeze coffee beans for up to a month, as long as you do not take them out during that time. It is a good idea to separate a large bag into several sealed bags and place them in the freezer. While this technique is possible, it is not the most ideal.

 

Buy in small quantities

The trap, if you are not a big coffee consumer, is to buy too much coffee. Coffee is fresh, but not perishable, so there is little danger. However, as we have already explained, the length of time you open the bag directly affects the quality of the coffee you get. We generally likeespresso for its power and its particular taste. In this case, don't hesitate to buy beans in bulk and in small quantities, from a roaster who cares about quality. Having smaller bags will limit the opening time: this is the best solution to keep the aroma of the beans.

We can therefore logically advise to go for a packaging taking the form of 250 grams coffee packets, rather than 1 kilo packets, which will remain open longer and sometimes too long.

If you prefer to use ground coffee, there are also a few tips to preserve its flavors as best as possible. Professionals in the coffee industry advise, for example, to clean the container every time fresh coffee is added.

Favour coffee beans

To prepare the best possible coffee, it is important to choose the type of coffee according to the drink you want to prepare. For espresso consumption, it is often advisable to choose coffee beans. To be sure to have a fresh coffee in every cup, the solution is to use a coffee grinder to grind your coffee yourself at the last moment.

In addition, coffee beans are preserved twice as long as ground coffee, since the latter has a surface in contact with the higher atmospheric agents. It is also advisable to always choose a bean with the roasting date indicated, since it keeps its taste qualities for 30 days in a closed bag.

Conservation of liquid coffee

When it comes to storing liquid coffee, it's a different story. To preserve your liquid coffee, there is no other choice than to keep it in the refrigerator. In order to prevent food odors from getting into the coffee, you should choose an airtight container, such as a thermos, for example. You should also avoid plastic containers, as it is possible to taste them. It is recommended not to keep this coffee for more than 48 hours.

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