Specialty coffee is one of the most sensitive beverages to environmental factors, with its quality and flavor significantly affected by storage conditions such as humidity and temperature. In Saudi Arabia, where temperatures range from extreme heat in the summer to relatively cool in the winter, and humidity levels vary between coastal areas like Jeddah and Dammam and inland areas like Riyadh, understanding the impact of these factors on coffee beans is essential for coffee lovers. Whether you use beans from premium Saudi roasters like Hawand , Ash , or Duha , how you store your coffee at home plays a crucial role in preserving flavor notes such as chocolate, fruit, or floral notes. In this article, prepared specifically for the Coffee Luxury blog, we'll explore how humidity and temperature affect coffee flavor, offering practical storage tips and recommendations for using Coffee Luxury tools. We'll also address frequently asked questions related to this topic to provide a comprehensive guide to achieving the best coffee experience.
How does humidity affect coffee flavor?
Humidity is one of the main factors affecting the quality of coffee beans, whether they are green (unroasted) or roasted. Here are the details:
1. The effect of high humidity
- Moisture absorption : Coffee beans are naturally porous, which allows them to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. High humidity (above 60%), as found in coastal areas like Jeddah or Dammam, can lead to:
- Loss of flavor : Moisture reacts with the aromatic oils in the grain, causing it to decompose and lose flavor notes such as caramel or berry.
- Mold growth : High humidity can cause mold or bacteria to grow, especially in green grains, affecting their quality and safety.
- Impact on roasting : If stored beans are damp, this may result in uneven roasting when reused.
- Examples in Saudi Arabia : In coastal areas, where humidity sometimes reaches 70-80% in the summer, grains like Dhuha Yirgacheff may lose their floral flavors if not stored properly.
2. The effect of low humidity
- Excessive dryness : Very low humidity (less than 30%), as in inland areas such as Riyadh, may cause the grain to dry out excessively, leading to:
- Loss of aromatic oils : Dehydration reduces the natural moisture content of the grain (10-12% in roasted grains), affecting the flavors.
- Grain brittleness : Grains that are too dry may become brittle, affecting grind quality and flavor extraction.
- Examples in Saudi Arabia : In desert areas, beans such as Brazilian Cascaval may lose their chocolate and caramel flavors if left in an environment that is too dry.
3. Ideal humidity level
- Recommended range : It is preferable to store coffee beans in an environment with a relative humidity between 50-60% to maintain the internal moisture balance of the beans.
- Solutions : Use airtight containers or coffee storage containers such as Airscape Coffee Canister (available at Luxury Coffee ) to prevent the influence of external moisture.
How does temperature affect the flavor of coffee?
Temperature is another factor that directly affects the quality and flavor of coffee beans. Here are the details:
1. Effect of high temperatures
- Heat exposure : High temperatures (above 25°C), as is common in Saudi summers, may lead to:
- Oil oxidation : Heat accelerates the oxidation of essential oils in grains, resulting in the loss of rich flavors such as caramel or berry, and the development of bitter or rancid flavors.
- Accelerated aging : Roasted beans lose their freshness quickly when exposed to heat, reducing their shelf life (usually 2-4 weeks after roasting).
- Examples in Saudi Arabia : In Riyadh, where temperatures can reach 40°C, grains such as Ash Ethiopia Hambela may be affected if left unrefrigerated.
2. Effect of low temperatures
- Storage in the refrigerator or freezer : Storage at low temperatures (such as 0-5°C in the refrigerator or lower in the freezer) may be beneficial if done correctly:
- Benefits : Cold storage slows down oxidation, preserving flavors longer (up to 2-3 months in the freezer).
- Risks : If beans are not stored in airtight containers, they may absorb moisture or odors from the refrigerator, affecting the flavor.
- Examples in Saudi Arabia : In relatively cold areas such as Taif, grains such as ars can be stored in a cool, dry place without the need for refrigeration.
3. Ideal temperature
- Recommended range : It is preferable to store coffee beans at a temperature between 15-25°C in a dry place and away from direct sunlight.
- Solutions : Use storage containers like Fellow Atmos or Airscape (available at Luxury Coffee ) to maintain a stable temperature.
Tips for storing coffee beans to preserve flavor
- Use airtight containers : Choose containers specifically designed for coffee storage like the Airscape Coffee Canister or Fellow Atmos from Luxury Coffee to prevent exposure to moisture and air.
- Avoid exposure to light and heat : Store the pills away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as the stove or oven.
- Storage in a cool, dry place : Store the grains in a cupboard away from moisture, and avoid storing them near the sink or windows.
- Long-term freezer storage : If you're purchasing bulk grains like Brazilian hound or ash hambella , divide them into small portions (enough for a week) and store them in airtight bags in the freezer. Remove the desired amount and let it come to room temperature before opening the bag.
- Avoid storing in the refrigerator : The refrigerator may cause the grains to absorb other odors, such as food smells, which affects the flavor.
- Use fresh beans : Try to use beans within 2-4 weeks of roasting for the best flavor.
- Select specialty beans : Choose high-quality beans from Saudi roasters like Hound , Ash , and Dahha from Rafah Coffee to ensure rich and fresh flavors.
Practical examples of preserving the flavor of grains
- For Cold Brew : Use Doha Yergacheffe beans (floral and citrus flavors) and store in an Airscape container in a cool, dry place to preserve the berry and jasmine flavors.
- For espresso : Use Ash Three Elements beans (raspberry and caramel flavors) and store them in Fellow Atmos to prevent oxidation and maintain a creamy texture.
- For drip coffee : Use Hound El Salvador El Carmen beans (apple and caramel flavors) and avoid exposure to high humidity to maintain balanced acidity.
Frequently asked questions about the effect of humidity and temperature on coffee flavor
1. Can coffee beans be stored in the refrigerator?
It's not recommended to store coffee beans in the refrigerator, as they can absorb odors from other foods and become exposed to moisture. Instead, use airtight containers like Airscape in a cool, dry place.
2. What is the best temperature to store coffee beans?
The ideal range is 15-25°C . Avoid exposure to high heat (above 25°C) or freezing unless you are storing large quantities for long periods in airtight bags.
3. How does high humidity affect the flavor of coffee?
High humidity (above 60%) causes the grains to absorb moisture, leading to the breakdown of essential oils, loss of flavor, and possible mold growth. Use airtight containers to prevent this.
4. Can low humidity affect coffee?
Yes, too low a moisture content (less than 30%) may over-dry the grain, resulting in loss of aromatic oils and brittleness, affecting grind quality and flavor.
5. Is it safe to store grains in the freezer?
Yes, freezer storage is safe if stored in airtight bags for long periods (2-3 months). Divide the grains into small quantities and allow them to reach room temperature before opening the bag.
6. How do I know if my coffee beans have been affected by humidity or heat?
If the beans lose their rich flavor, become weak in aroma, or develop bitter or rancid flavors, they may have been affected by moisture or heat. Check storage conditions and use fresh beans.
7. What is the best way to store coffee beans in Saudi Arabia?
Use airtight containers like Airscape or Fellow Atmos from Luxury Coffee , and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. In coastal areas, monitor humidity carefully.
Why choose coffee beans from Luxury Coffee?
At Luxury Coffee , we offer a distinctive selection of specialty coffee beans from Saudi roasters like Hawand , Ash , and Dahha , ideal for brewing rich, flavorful coffee. We also offer storage and preparation tools, and with free shipping and fast delivery to all cities in Saudi Arabia, you can easily preserve the flavor of your favorite coffee. Shop our online store and discover the world of specialty coffee.