Aroma is what we smell when roasted coffee beans release their volatile flavor components into the air, and it is often used to describe the scent of freshly brewed coffee, according to the dictionary.

The scent of a cup of coffee, as well as how much it has faded, is often cited as a measure of its freshness. Put another way, the more aromatic components present in the bean, the fresher and more delicious the bean will taste.

When coffee is brewed, the release of volatile components happens naturally; however, some environmental variables may accelerate this process, causing the scent to dissipate more rapidly as a result.

Even if you are not aware of it, the coffee packaging plays a vital role in ensuring that the quality of your coffee is maintained during long-term storage.

When you package coffee, you are protecting it from sunlight, moisture, and oxygen with the aim of maintaining the coffee’s taste and aroma characteristics. You are also containing the coffee in controlled portions to make it more convenient to sell the coffee.

Given this, wouldn’t it be useful to understand the role and relevance of coffee packaging in the coffee industry?

Here’s a quick rundown on why it’s so important to have appropriate coffee packaging.

Importance of Choosing the Right Coffee Packaging

The benefits of selecting the right coffee packaging are often overlooked by many but that doesn’t mean we have to ignore its importance and how it has played a significant role in the industry.

Here are some of the reasons why you need to select the best coffee packaging for your coffee! 

Proper Sealing Your Coffee Bag

Having proper packaging for your coffee means a lot. This can preserve the coffee’s freshness and its taste. You have to make sure that the coffee beans will be sealed tightly in a bag and it should not be porous.

This is to avoid contact with oxygen, which can quickly age your coffee and make it taste stale.

Packaging That Prevents UV Rays

Ultraviolet radiation can cause the degradation of some of the coffee’s aromatic compounds. To preserve the coffee’s freshness, it is best to look for packaging that will block out these UV rays.

There are many ways to do this, such as using foil-lined bags or keeping your coffee in a dark place. Another way to do this is to look for packaging that is made with a material that will reflect UV rays, such as mylar.

The Right Packaging Can Preserve Coffee’s Aroma

The volatile compounds that give coffee its characteristic aroma are very delicate and can be easily lost. If you want to preserve these compounds, it is important to use the right packaging.

Packaging That controls Moisture

Coffee beans are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. If your coffee is not packaged in a way that controls this, the beans can easily become moldy.

This is why it’s important to use packaging that will keep the coffee’s moisture level consistent. You can do this by using air-tight packaging or desiccants (which are materials that absorb moisture).

Packaging That Provides Protection Against Heat

Heat can also have a negative impact on coffee’s freshness. It can cause the flavors and aromas to dissipate quickly. This is why you need to find packaging that will protect your coffee from heat exposure.

You can do this by using materials such as cardboard or paper that will help to insulate the coffee. Materials that should be avoided are those that are made with plastic or metal, as they can cause the coffee to heat up.

Style of the Coffee Packaging

Another bonus of having good coffee packaging is the style it provides. As a business owner, you would want your coffee to look good on the outside as it is on the inside.

This will attract more customers and have them wanting to buy your product. There are many ways you can do this, such as using labels or having a unique design for your packaging.

Packaging is an important part of the coffee industry, and it’s essential to choose the right type of packaging to preserve your coffee’s freshness and taste.

Now that you know some of the importance of coffee packaging, you can be more discerning when purchasing coffee beans. Make sure to ask your local café or roaster about the type of packaging they use and how it affects the taste and aroma of your beloved coffee.

By understanding the different types of coffee packaging and their benefits, you can make an informed decision about which type of packaging is best for your needs.

One of which is using a Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

How does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Help? 

Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a huge benefit for coffee retailers and roasters. It is a process where the package is flushed with a specific gas mixture which helps to preserve the flavor of the coffee for an extended period of time.

There are many benefits to using Modified Atmosphere Packaging for coffee. Some of which include:

Nitrogen Flushing

This is the process of flushing the package with nitrogen gas. Nitrogen is inert and will not react with the coffee beans. It is also an effective way to remove oxygen from the package.

By removing the oxygen, you are preventing it from reacting with the coffee and causing it to become stale. The nitrogen flush can help to keep the coffee fresh and flavorful for up to 2 years.

Argon Flushing

This is a similar process to nitrogen flushing, but argon gas is used instead. Argon is also an inert gas that will not react with the coffee beans.

It is not as effective at removing oxygen from the package, but it can still help to keep the coffee fresh for up to 1 year.

Reduction of Preservatives

One of the main reasons people choose coffee is because it is a natural product. You don’t want to add any additional preservatives to the coffee that will diminish its flavor.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging helps to reduce the need for preservatives, which in turn keeps the coffee’s flavor intact.

No Added Oxygen

As mentioned before, oxygen can quickly age your coffee and make it taste stale. By using Modified Atmosphere Packaging, you are preventing any additional oxygen from getting into the package and ruining the coffee’s flavor.

Cost-Effective

Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a cost-effective way to preserve your coffee’s freshness. It is an affordable way to keep your coffee tasting great for a longer period of time.

These are just some of the benefits that Modified Atmosphere Packaging can provide for coffee. It is an effective way to preserve the freshness and flavor of your coffee for an extended period of time.

Gases Used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

There are many different gases that can be used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging. Some of the most common gases include nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and helium.

Each gas has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to choose the right gas for your needs.

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a popular choice for coffee packaging because it helps to extend the shelf life of the coffee while also reducing the need for preservatives.

It is also a cost-effective option, and it can be used with both nitrogen and argon flushes.

Helium

Helium is another popular choice because it is an inert gas that does not react with coffee. It is also less dense than air, so it can help to keep the beans from becoming compacted over time.

However, helium is a more expensive gas, and it can be difficult to find in some areas.

Which Gas Should You Use?

The type of gas you use will depend on your needs. If you are looking for extended shelf life, then nitrogen or argon flushes are your best option.

If you are looking for a cost-effective option, then carbon dioxide is a good choice. And if you are looking for a gas that will not compress the beans over time, then helium is a good option.

Takeaways

Coffee packaging is important because it helps to preserve the aroma, taste, and freshness. The manner in which your coffee grounds are packaged has a significant impact on their quality.

Whether you work in the coffee business or are just a coffee aficionado, it is important to understand how to correctly pack and store your coffee in order to maintain its quality for a longer period of time.

Hopefully, this post has supplied you with sufficient knowledge on how and why you must pack your coffee in a certain method.