Why we should not store our coffee in the fridge?
Most coffee lovers know this, but coffee storage in the fridge remains one of the most enduring myths of our favorite beverage..
One of the issues that annoys every coffee fanatic is the proper storage of the beans we buy. As coffee freshness has a significant impact on its taste, it is important to keep the coffee we buy in good order so that its taste and aroma remain unchanged until our last cup. We have previously analyzed the steps that every coffee lover must take to prolong the freshness of their precious beans, but it is important to definitively debunk an important myth about coffee storage: storing it in the fridge.
In general, storing coffee requires a dry and cool environment, free of moisture and strong odors. Things get better when we store coffee in beans instead of ground coffee, and of course, when using airtight containers. A single glance at these basic principles indicates the reasons why the fridge is inadequate for coffee storage, but we could analyze the issue even further.
It is striking how this myth is widely circulated, and how many coffee lovers choose the fridge to store their beans or their ground coffee. But the method of storage in the refrigerator not only does not work, but can significantly alter the taste and aromas of coffee. Here are some basic reasons why our coffee should stay away from our refrigerator.
Why we should not store our coffee in the fridge?
- The environment of the refrigerator is very humid
Moisture is one of the main "enemies" of coffee. An intense moisture environment can spoil our beans quite quickly, muting their flavor and significantly altering their taste. Apart from the fact that the interior of the refrigerator is naturally moist, the altering of the temperature created by the opening and closing of the door creates a number of droplets, which may not affect other foods, but may be detrimental to the taste. and the aroma of coffee. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is explained by the fact that the coffee bean, due to its roasting, is essentially dehydrated, so it tends to absorb moisture from its environment. However, by absorbing moisture, its components deteriorate, so that when extracted, its taste will be less intense and complex.
- Temperature Changes alter coffee's taste
Things get even worse when we often pour coffee out of the fridge: abrupt temperature changes can ruin the taste of coffee in just a few days. This is because lowering the temperature from 4 ° C in the refrigerator to 25 ° C in the room slowly destroys the coffee bean oils, which are extremely important for its taste and aroma.
- Coffee is extremely sensitive to odors
Coffee tends to absorb the smells of its surroundings. Even when storing it in a shelf or cupboard, it is good to be sure it is in a well-sealed container or bag, away from strong odors. However, the interior of the refrigerator is definitely a place with strong smells: fruits, vegetables, sausages, cheeses, ready meals usually have strong odors, which are multiplied by the small space of the refrigerator. If we do not want our coffee to smell after a few days, like celery or feta cheese, it is a good idea to keep it out of the fridge.
However, there is one case where coffee can be stored at low temperatures: deep freezing. In this case, however, a professional freezer that does not open frequently (as opposed to home freezing) is needed and a specific freezing protocol has to be followed, which involves proper sealing of the packaging, careful thawing of the freezer, etc. Generally, this method is for those who buy very large quantities of coffee and not for ordinary household consumers.
Generally speaking, proper coffee storage should not scare us: we follow some simple tips or buy specialty coffee storage containers and keep our precious beans out of the fridge. So, we are sure we will always enjoy the coffee we deserve!
