Freshness valve keeps coffee at its peak

Coffee-lovers of the world rejoice … a new coffee canister for the home that eliminates the four main causes of flavor loss in whole bean and ground coffee—CO2 gases, moisture, light and air has been released by Friis. The company says its Coffee Savor container is the first in the world that vents away trapped carbon dioxide gas created during the roasting process and also blocks out moisture, light and air to seal in flavor.

The ‘secret’ is a special valve in the lid that helps vent the build-up of damaging CO2 gases which naturally occur in roasted coffee beans. The valve is constructed with a filter that allows carbon dioxide gas to pass through without allowing oxygen or other gases back in. This one-way valve removes the trapped gas that over time breaks down and destroys coffee flavor. Friis recommends replacing the valve every two months (consumers receive a one-year supply of Freshness Valves for free with the purchase of the Coffee Savor).

What roasting does to coffee beans

All forms of coffee (whole bean and ground) have undergone a roasting process that caramelizes the sugars in coffee beans and forms essential oils. These sugars and essential oils give coffee its varying flavor and aromas.

After roasting, four external factors break down and degrade the original flavor coffee drinkers desire. Friis says the key to rich, full-flavored coffee is limiting the effects of these external forces through proper storage.

The company believes most of the 160+ million coffee drinkers in the U.S. don’t realize the way they currently store their coffee actually shortens its shelf life and causes the bitter and stale taste they hate.

“Extensive market research revealed most coffee drinkers struggle to keep their coffee beans and grounds fresh,” said Keith Emmel, inventor of the Coffee Savor and Director of Business Development of Friis. “While many people enjoy high-end or flavored coffees, they often end up discarding expensive beans or grounds because current storage options cause their coffee to go stale too quickly.”

The Coffee Savor lid is constructed with a food-safe, BPA-free polymer while the base is constructed of food-safe stainless steel, or the same BPA-free polymer (depending on the model).

The Coffee Savor keeps up to 16 oz (1 lb) (452g) of whole bean or ground coffee fresh and is available from Friis for USD$21.95.