Storing coffee properly is crucial for ensuring a great-tasting cup of espresso or coffee. No one wants to spend money on high-quality beans only to end up with a flat and lifeless cup. In this article, we will review the best coffee canisters on the market to help you keep your beans fresh for longer.

What Makes a Great Coffee Canister?

– Airtight: Look for a coffee canister that creates a vacuum seal to keep your beans fresh.

– Opaque: If you store your canister in a dark place, glass containers are acceptable. Otherwise, opt for an opaque container to prevent light from reaching the beans.

– CO2 Valve: Ignore the mention of a CO2 valve, as it does not actually preserve coffee freshness.

Coffee Canister Storage Space – Volume to Weight

– Volume vs. Weight: Coffee canisters are measured in volume, not weight, due to variations in weight/volume ratio based on the origin and roast of the beans.

– Darker Roast vs. Lighter Roast: Darker roasted beans will be lighter and larger, while lighter roasted beans will be heavier and take up less space.

Best Coffee Storage on the Market

– Resealable Bags: Bags with a one-way valve from your roaster are a decent option and compete with many coffee storage canisters.

– Airscape Coffee Canister: This canister removes excess air between the beans and the lid with a two-way valve. It is a good option for daily use but similar in performance to resealable bags.

– Coffeevac – Vacuum Sealed Storage Container: This airtight container allows you to remove excess air by pushing a button. It holds about 1 pound of coffee beans and is great for long-term storage in the freezer.

– MiiR, Airtight Coffee Canister: This canister uses an accordion-style seal to push out excess air, but it is not a vacuum canister. It holds about 12 oz of coffee beans.

– Soulhand Vacuum Coffee Canister: This vacuum canister uses an electric pump in the lid to create a vacuum seal. It comes in different sizes and materials, with the black stainless steel model being recommended for durability and light protection.

– Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister: This is the best vacuum-sealed coffee canister. It requires manual twisting to activate the vacuum seal and holds about 12-14 ounces of coffee beans. It is perfect for preserving expensive specialty coffee.

Honorable Mentions

– Friis Coffee Vault: This stainless steel canister has a CO2 release valve and a latch mechanism for an airtight seal.

– Coffee Gator: While it looks good, this canister is not as high-quality as other options. The Coffeevac or Friis are better choices.

– Ground Coffee Storage: Ground coffee is more sensitive to oxygen, so any airtight canister will do. However, vacuum canisters may get clogged with coffee particles.

Conclusion

– For everyday use and non-expensive beans, any airtight canister will suffice.

– For expensive beans and maximum flavor preservation, a vacuum canister like the Fellow Atmos is recommended.

– Share your favorite coffee storage method in the comments section.

This article is based on the idea of BrewEspressoCoffee.com here: A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Coffee Canisters for Optimal Coffee Storage: Vacuum and Airtight Options. BrewEspressoCoffee.com aims to make home espresso brewing popular.

The Art and Science of Making Espresso: Understanding Roast Degrees

Making espresso is a unique blend of science and art. It requires using scientific principles to guide the extraction process while also relying on intuition and creativity to create a personalized experience. One common question among baristas is which roast is best for espresso. In this article, we will explore how the roast degree affects extraction, the flavors associated with different roasting degrees, and how personal preference plays a role in choosing the right beans.

Understanding Espresso Roasts:

– Espresso beans are regular coffee beans, but the term “espresso roast” refers to a dark roast designed for use with espresso machines.

– Modern espresso is more flexible in terms of roast levels, with any roast level from medium-light being acceptable.

– Different regions and preferences influence the choice of roast, with Northern Italy favoring blonde espresso and Southern Italy preferring dark roasted blends.

– Super-automatic espresso machines may not handle dark espresso well due to oily beans causing clogs.

Choosing the Best Roast for Beginners:

– A medium-dark roast is recommended for beginner baristas as it is more soluble and forgiving during extraction.

– Medium-dark roasts are ideal for those seeking a simple and classic espresso taste.

– Classic espresso blends typically have chocolate and caramel notes and are roasted to at least a medium-dark color.

How Roast Affects Your Espresso:

– Roast level affects the brewing process and the final product.

– Lighter roasts are less soluble, making extraction more challenging but preserving origin notes.

– Darker roasts are easier to extract but may result in a more uniform taste with smoky and ashy flavors.

Factors Influencing Roast Selection:

– Factors such as coffee bean type, desired flavor profile, brewing method, region, altitude, and processing method impact roast selection.

– Extraction time and pressure play a crucial role in achieving the desired balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness.

– Lighter roasts retain more delicate flavors and notes, while darker roasts offer a bolder, richer taste.

Personal Preferences and Other Considerations:

– Personal preference is key in selecting the best roast for espresso.

– Lighter roasts are more challenging to master but offer more interesting flavor profiles.

– Dark roasts are consistent and forgiving but may lack distinct origin flavors.

– Freshness, caffeine content, and equipment compatibility are additional factors to consider when choosing a roast.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the best roast for espresso is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect roast that suits your taste. Whether you prefer a strong and bold flavor or a delicate and light one, exploring different roast degrees will help you discover your favorite coffee experience.

This article firstly appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of making espresso beverages.

Storing Coffee: The Best Ways to Keep Your Beans Fresh

Storing coffee is a topic that is often overlooked, but it is just as important as roasting, grinding, and brewing. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to store coffee beans and why the advice varies depending on storage time and other factors.

Freshly Roasted Coffee

Keeping coffee beans fresh is crucial, especially when you invest in expensive beans. Whether you roast your own beans or buy from a local roaster, freshness is key. While a subscription from your favorite roaster can ensure freshness, not everyone wants a subscription. So, let’s explore how to store coffee beans.

Shelf Life of Roasted Coffee Beans

Unroasted coffee beans have a longer shelf life and can be stored for months in a cool, dry place like the pantry. However, once coffee beans are roasted, their shelf life is about two weeks. Darker roasts expire faster due to the higher degree of cell wall integrity being broken, which allows volatile compounds to dissipate. To prevent your beans from going stale, you need to find ways to store them properly.

Busting Myths: Freezing Coffee

Contrary to popular belief, storing coffee in the freezer is actually the best way to store it long-term. Freezing immobilizes volatile compounds in the beans, preserving the flavors. The myth that freezing is bad for coffee comes from the idea that temperature variances and condensation can affect the beans if they are constantly taken out of the freezer. However, if you only open the bag a few times, freezer storage is perfectly fine.

Airtight Containers for Storing Coffee

To ensure freshness, it is essential to store coffee in an airtight container that prevents oxygen from entering. Vacuum canisters are highly recommended as they remove air from the container, prolonging shelf life. Clear glass or plastic containers should be avoided as they expose the beans to light, which can cause the oils to migrate to the surface.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

When storing coffee beans in the freezer, it is important to use an airtight container or the original packaging with a one-way valve. Reseal the bag tightly or transfer the beans to a mason jar for optimal storage. By combining freezer and pantry storage, you can enjoy fresh coffee for a longer period. Move beans from the large container in the freezer to a smaller container in the pantry every ten days.

Storing Ground Coffee

Ideally, it is best to avoid buying pre-ground coffee as it has more surface area exposed to air, leading to faster deterioration. However, if you must store ground coffee, use airtight containers at room temperature or slightly lower. Similar to whole beans, have two containers – one for daily use and one for long-term storage. Avoid drastic temperature changes when handling ground coffee.

Long-Term Storage with Green Coffee Beans

For long-term storage, green coffee beans are the best option. Vacuum-pack the beans in plastic bags and store them in the freezer. When ready to use, let the beans warm up before roasting. Green coffee beans can also be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for a few months. However, keep in mind that roasted beans start to change once they are out of the roasting facility.

Conclusion

Storing coffee properly is crucial for maintaining freshness and flavor. Freezing coffee beans is a great long-term storage option, as long as you minimize temperature variances and condensation. Use airtight containers and avoid light exposure to preserve the quality of your beans. Whether you choose to store whole beans or ground coffee, following these guidelines will ensure a delicious cup of coffee every time.

This article firstly appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of making espresso beverages.

Oily Coffee Beans – What Does It Mean?

– Oily beans are not necessarily a bad thing, despite the negative association.

– The oil in coffee beans is important for the taste profile and crema in espresso.

– Oily beans are a typical property of dark roasted coffee beans.

Why are some coffee beans shiny?

– The longer the beans are roasted, the oilier they become.

– Shiny beans are a characteristic of dark roasted coffee beans.

– Coffee beans that are very darkly roasted but not shiny may be too fresh or too old.

Why don’t we always see the oils if it’s normal?

– The oils start to surface between the third day of roasting and three weeks.

– Oil on the beans indicates that they are neither too young nor too old.

– The roast level affects how fast the oils surface, with darker roasts releasing oils more quickly.

Taste profiles

Dark Roast

– Darker roasts have less caffeine and sugar, resulting in a stronger and more bitter taste.

– Dark roasts bring out bold flavors and smokier notes.

– Oily beans are common in darker roasts, which are traditionally used for espresso.

Lighter roast

– Lighter roasts have more natural sugars and are sweeter.

– They have brighter and milder flavors.

– Lighter roasts are popular among specialty coffee roasters.

When is the presence of oil on a coffee bean good?

– Oily beans indicate that they have been recently roasted.

– Oily, darker beans suggest that the roaster knew what they were doing.

– Dark roasts should be consumed sooner than lighter roasts for optimal taste.

Why don’t baristas and enthusiasts like a dark roast?

– Dark roasts were traditionally used to cover up bad tastes in cheaper coffee beans.

– Baristas prefer using quality, well-sourced coffee with natural flavor profiles.

– Some coffee beans are complemented by a slightly darker roast, but never beyond medium-dark.

The problem with dark, oily beans for espresso

– Oily beans can damage espresso machines and grinders.

– The oil from dark roasts can cause clogs and blockages.

– Regular cleaning of the grinder is essential for those who prefer darker roasts.

Other brewing methods

– Oily beans can cause problems with grinders, including sticky burrs and chute clogging.

– Cleaning the grinder more often can help prevent these issues.

– Some grinders are not designed to handle oily coffee beans, so it may be necessary to invest in a different grinder.

In summary

– Oily coffee beans are not inherently bad, but they require caution when using espresso machines.

– Preference plays a role in choosing between dark and lighter roasts.

– Medium to medium-dark roasts preserve the natural flavors and sweetness of the coffee bean.

This article firstly appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of making espresso beverages.