How to Package Coffee and Tea

Whether you are a home or commercial coffee roaster or tea maker, it is essential to properly package coffee and tea in order to maintain freshness. Air, sun, odor and moisture can all invade coffee beans and tea leaves, leading to their quick demise. Once coffee beans have had time to de-gas after roasting and once tea has been properly dried and prepared, store them in air-tight, nontransparent packages to prevent spoilage and contamination. There is a broad range of packaging choices, but certain specifications should always be met.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum-lined bags
• Bags with a one-way CO2 valve
• Aluminum canisters
• Cellulose bags
• Vacuum sealer
• Heated bag sealer
• Zip-top bags
• Labels

Instructions

1. Choose a package type. The packaging should be opaque and nonporous (do not use paper bags). For coffee, a premium coffee bag will have an aluminum lining for optimum preservation of the beans. If you are packaging the coffee immediately after roasting and do not have the facilities for de-gassing, use a coffee bag with a one-way CO2 valve. This valve will allow the beans to de-gas while still keeping air and moisture out. Metal-based packaging is also good for tea. Use aluminum tea canisters for tea bags. Loose tea can be kept in aluminum-lined bags. Alternatively, cellulose bags derived from wood pulp are also effective for preserving tea.

2. Vacuum seal packages, except for coffee that has not been de-gassed and has been put into a bag with a CO2 valve. To use a vacuum sealer, simply close the top edge of the bag in the door of the machine and turn it on. The machine will automatically pull the air out and seal the bag. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, use a heated bag sealer or zip-top bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

3. Label the packages. Individual labels can be designed and printed from your computer, or packaging companies can preprint bulk orders. Include ingredient information, weight, brewing instructions and storage instructions. Coffee and tea should be stored in cool, dark, dry areas and should be transferred to air-tight canisters once the bag is opened (unless the bag is a zip-top bag that can be resealed).

References

• Coffee-Makers-Cafe: Keeping Coffee Beans Fresh
• Vanderstahl.com: The Evolution of Vacuum Packaging
• Tea and Coffee: Tea Packaging