Why do coffee beans need to be stored away from light?

Coffee beans are a food product that is affected by many factors, one of which is light. There are many reasons why coffee beans need to be kept away from light. First, the ultraviolet rays in the sun can damage the chemicals in the coffee beans, causing them to lose their aroma and taste. Secondly, sunlight can also accelerate oxidation reactions, creating unpleasant odors and flavors in the coffee beans.

When coffee beans are exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet rays directly hit the surface of the beans and react with the chemicals in them. These chemicals include phenols, ketones and esters, which will oxidize, degrade or transform into other substances under the action of ultraviolet rays. These changes may cause the coffee to lose its original aroma and taste.

In addition, sunlight can accelerate the reaction between oxygen molecules in the air and the internal components of coffee beans. When there is too much oxygen in the air, it is easy to cause a free radical chain reaction and cause irreversible changes in organic substances such as fatty acids. These changes may cause unpleasant odors and tastes, and also reduce the quality of coffee.

Therefore, in order to maintain the freshness and taste of coffee beans, it is very important to store them away from light. Generally speaking, it is best to store coffee beans in opaque, sealed and moisture-proof containers. This can effectively block the effects of sunlight and air on the coffee beans.

In addition, you should also pay attention to the material when choosing a storage container. Glass or ceramic containers are usually more suitable for storing coffee beans than plastic containers because they provide better isolation and will not release harmful substances into the food.

In short, keeping coffee beans away from light is an indispensable step to maintain the freshness and taste of coffee beans. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of coffee beans and ensure that every cup of coffee beans can bring us the best experience.