People all around the world know that coffee is an excellent drink that not only keeps you warm but alert as well. Most people have fresh beans stocked in your house for their daily dose of coffee. Some have coffee once a day, while others, like myself, prefer multiple cups. And like me, if you are stuck at home during snow, coffee proves to be an excellent drink to enjoy and keep yourself warm. This brings us to the question of increasing coffee storage life for the survival food pantry. If you get a ready-made survival kit for winters and it does not come with coffee, make sure you add it yourself. Coffee is considered to be one of the best food items for a long-term emergency as it has a long shelf life and it also gives you the energy that you may require in a tough situation.
It is a popular impression that coffee does not go bad even if it is kept for a long period of time. We are sorry to burst the bubble, but like all other beans, coffee does go bad as well. Coffee beans consist of natural oils, which begin to oxidize as soon as they come in contact with air, and eventually, they go bad.
6 Tips to Improve Coffee Shelf Life
With this reality check, we at All Real Reviews would like to tell you that it takes a long time for coffee to go bad. So, you need not worry as there are various tips and tricks that I have followed and it has helped me in increasing the shelf life of our coffee beans. Some of these include:
- I always have bought coffee in smaller amounts so the finished before their expiration date
- Prefer a value-sealed bag over others as it protects the coffee from air
- I always store coffee in an airtight container
- I always try to keep my coffee beans away from moisture, light, and heat
- I avoid placing the coffee in the freezer or fridge
- I purchase light roasted beans as they last longer than dark roast beans. There are various brands that manufacture lightly roasted beans. Some of these include McCafe and Lavazza.
3 best coffee options when it comes to long term storage
So, now that I have discussed some hacks to increase the shelf life of coffee, it is time to talk about some of the best coffee options when it comes to long-term storage.
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Ground Coffee Beans
If you want to purchase ground coffee beans then you should know that they can last up to 5 months, if the container remains sealed. However, if you open the container then they will last from 3 to 5 months. Starbucks’ Breakfast Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee is one of the best options when it comes to choosing ground coffee beans. This is a premium quality ground coffee that has notes of brown sugar and sweet orange. This light and lively roast have a crisp finish which makes your coffee taste delicious. Along with this, there are various other options that you can choose from when it comes to picking ground coffee beans. This includes Dunkin Donuts Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, Lavazza Crema e Gusto Espresso Dark Roast Ground Coffee Blend, etc. I understand that many people prefer medium roast over any other but I recommend you to get a lighter roast as they last a long time. My personal favorite is McCafe light roast over any other brand.
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Whole Roasted Coffee Beans
While some of you may prefer ground coffee beans, others would like to have whole roasted beans. One of the biggest advantages of using whole roasted coffee beans is that you grind them just before brewing coffee and it makes your coffee taste absolutely divine. Whole beans can easily last for up to 2 years after their expiry date if the seal is intact. Once you open them, they will last somewhere between 6 to 12 months. Even though whole beans last longer than ground coffee, they have a major drawback. Whole beans are roasted and the heat activates a chemical reaction that creates oil and this causes the beans to break down. If whole roasted beans over ground coffee then you should consider getting a manual grinder as it will be your lifesaver in case of a power out during a sandstorm. Honestly, I say this from personal experience.
To make the buying process easier for you, I have listed down a few whole roasted coffee beans which include SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Whole Bean, Peet’s Coffee Whole Bean French Roast Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters Blend Whole Bean Coffee, etc.
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Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is the best kind when it comes to choosing a coffee with long-term storage. It can last for almost 10 years if the container remains unopened. Even after you open it, it can be used for a decade. Now, you must be thinking about how it is possible. Instant coffee is freeze-dried which removes any moisture present in the coffee and allows it to last for a long time.
I recommend instant coffee because it does not require you to make any special arrangements for its storage as the coffee, itself, is made to last for a long time. One drawback is that it can catch moisture from the air, so it is suggested you keep it in an airtight container. Since the coffee lasts for a long time, it is the best pick for your survival kit. Starbucks, Nescafe and Mount Hagen offer some of the best tasting instant coffees. They also have organic options available. I personally prefer Mount Hagen as it has a smooth flavor and is organic as well.
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Green Coffee Beans
Green Coffee Beans can easily last for up to 5 years if the seal remains untouched. Once you open them, they are good for 1 year. If you want to store green coffee beans, use a food storage container that is free of oxygen so that it keeps your coffee fresh and free from moisture.
Most people either prefer whole beans or instant coffee. I have always been a fan of instant coffee not only because it has a longer shelf life but also because it is extremely convenient to use. Along with this, I also do not have to put in any extra effort to brew my favorite drink.
Instant coffee also does not require you to make any special arrangements for its storage. All I need is an airtight container and it is set to be used for years. You can also take instant coffee along with you wherever you go this includes a camping trip or any other outdoor adventure. You can also use it if you are stuck in your home due to a natural calamity, like a sandstorm.
Verdict
Instant coffee is conveniently available at different stores and there are several brands that manufacture it. The prices vary, so pick the one which falls in your budget.