You may have seen the infamous “best by” date on a coffee bag, but do you know why you should care? First, it’s essential to understand why Arabica beans taste better than Robusta beans. So here’s what you need to know about coffee bags! Also, make sure to keep the coffee bag away from oxygen! And don’t forget the “stamp” on the bag, which is a helpful tool in your coffee-making journey.
Keep a bag of coffee away from oxygen
Oxygen is the enemy of coffee. Exposure to oxygen reduces the peak flavor and ruins the whole purpose of buying freshly roasted coffee. Most bag of coffee has a small hole for carbon dioxide to escape, but no oxygen can enter. That means your coffee is filled with carbon dioxide and little oxygen. Using nitrogen-flushing technology will extend the freshness of your coffee. But how do you store nitrogen in the coffee?
You can store your coffee without worrying about absorbing moisture and odors if you have a vacuum bag. In addition to this, you should avoid shaking the coffee bag excessively. Also, ensure the bag is upright and not in direct sunlight. Finally, storing it away from heat and oxygen would be best. The best way to protect your coffee is only to open it when you first brew it.
Avoid “best by” dates
While many consumers may not think twice about “best by” dates, they are misleading. The best coffee bags are often roasted only a couple of days before they are put on the market. Therefore, to get the freshest coffee possible, it is best to use coffee within two to three weeks of the “best by” date. You can even avoid this by asking your local coffee shop when they stock fresh bags.
While coffee can be used a day before the “best by” date, most consumers shouldn’t eat or drink coffee past that date. That is because “best by” dates are a manufacturer’s best guess about the quality and flavor of food. While they may be helpful for stocking shelves, they do not guarantee safety. Instead, they guide you on when to eat or drink a particular food.
Make cold brew coffee with a bag
If you are looking for a fast way to make cold brewed coffee, then a cold brew coffee bag is perfect. This process involves steeping coffee grounds in tepid or cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This method uses the time to extract the flavor of the coffee, which is why this type of coffee is usually a less bitter and more natural tasting alternative to hot water brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee can also be flavored with various milk and syrups.
Cold brew coffee is slightly more potent than regular coffee, owing to the longer brewing time. Cold brew coffee is usually richer in caffeine than regular coffee, so you may want to dilute it with milk or water for an even more delicious taste. You can also add a bag of sugar to the coffee before serving it to reduce its acidity. The brewed coffee can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks and consumed up to three days after the brewing.
Arabica beans are superior to Robusta beans
Despite the differences in their tastes and the differences in their growing habits, both Robusta and Arabica coffees have the same essential characteristics. The primary difference between them is the level of acidity. Robustas produce fruit more quickly than Arabicas and tend to have a woody flavor with a light chocolate note. Because they are more expensive to grow and process, they are typically grown in lower-altitude regions, although Colombia has a majority of arabica coffee.
The origin of Arabica beans lies in Ethiopia, which is currently the world’s largest producer. Conversely, Vietnam is the number-one producer of Robusta beans, exporting more than 1,650,000 metric tons a year. Both species produce coffee, but most consumers consider Arabica the superior variety. It is because robusta beans are roasted much easier than Arabica and have an even shape.