The Role of Degassing Valves in Roasted Coffee Storage

Maintaining the original quality of roasted coffee – otherwise known as 'freshness' is a top concern for coffee roasters. If coffee reaches consumers that is spoiled, rancid, or lacking in flavor, it can have a serious impact not only on a brand reputation, but also on its long-term success.

However, loss of freshness begins immediately after coffee is roasted. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and other volatile gases absorbed by the beans during the roasting process are released the moment the coffee leaves the roaster. This leaves the porous structure of the beans susceptible to oxidation and deterioration when exposed to the outside environment.

Critical to maintaining coffee freshness is the degassing valve, a one-way vent that keeps the coffee package airtight by releasing the pressure of escaping gases without allowing oxygen to enter.

'Given the nature of roasted coffee, and all the wonderful aroma and CO2 gases that are released during the roasting process, there is obviously a lot of pressure that comes along with the additional gases built up,” explains Jessey Cowell, a validation expert who conducted a 2018 study on the behavior of degassing valves in roasted coffee.

'Packing product immediately after roasting has always been a big issue for the industry. Immediate packaging has never been feasible. There needs to be a period of time before the coffee is packaged for it to degas and release all the gases, so that the package doesn't break under the added pressure.

'So with the advent of one-way degassing valves, they were able to eliminate or at least significantly reduce the degassing time, which would allow roasters to package the coffee soon after roasting, once the coffee had cooled sufficiently.

'This will really help produce a fresher coffee product, help keep all those wonderful coffee volatiles in, and reduce the time oxidation takes to occur. The gases can cover the coffee inside the package and release when needed. 

SUNBOWN is a one-way degassing valves manufacturer since 2010, and we have rich cooperation experiences with many coffee roasters and flexible package solutions providers. If you have similar requirement for coffee package storage after roasting, please send 'Enquiry' here or send email directly to info@sunbown.com