Effect of storage conditions on the sensory quality of ground arabica coffee

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine how long ground coffee beans could be stored at room and freezing temperatures before sensory changes could be detected, and to identify specific attribute changes associated with this storage. Ground beans were stored for 0 (fresh), 1, 2 and 3 weeks at room and freezing temperatures. Coffee was prepared from each of these treatments and difference testing was performed. Paired comparison tests were conducted on the fresh, 1- and 2-week-stored coffee grounds to examine the attributes of coffee aroma, flavor, bitterness and overall preference. At room temperature storage, results indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences in the coffee prepared from fresh versus the 2-week-stored ground beans. Coffee made from freshly ground beans had a stronger coffee aroma, less bitterness and was more preferred compared with the beans stored for 1 or 2 weeks (P < 0.05). At freezer storage, differences were detected between coffee prepared from coffee grounds stored for 1 or 2 weeks. Coffee prepared from grounds stored for 2 weeks had a stronger coffee aroma and was more bitter compared with the other storage times (P < 0.05). © 2006, Blackwell Publishing.