The Use of Nitrogen in Coffee Packaging
November 5, 2024
We use nitrogen for many things in many industries. Coffee, when packaged, must maintain its properties, as well as be away from humidity and heat.
If oxygen comes into contact with the oils in coffee, its characteristic aroma will be distorted, which is why it is important to package coffee correctly.
Content
- Maintenance of coffee beans
- Nitrogen in coffee packaging
- What is nitrogen used for in coffee packaging?
Maintenance of coffee beans
To preserve coffee beans it is enough to keep them away from humidity and heat. In this way we will avoid their degradation and the appearance of mold, but there is another very important element that we must take into account: oxygen. If this gas comes into contact with the coffee oils, its organoleptic properties will deteriorate, that is to say, its characteristic aroma and flavor will be spoiled. Hence the importance of a correct packaging of coffee.
Oxygen is an essential gas for life and is responsible for the growth of microorganisms and natural enzymes (bacteria, yeasts, molds, etc.) in our food. In fact, it is the enzymes catalase and peroxidase that are responsible for the rapid oxidation of apples.
Nitrogen in coffee packaging
There are different packaging alternatives. The most classic model, the most common in the hospitality sector, where the coffee is not protected and the loss of aroma is allowed; vacuum packaging with a unidirectional valve, which allows the evacuation of gases from inside the package without allowing air to enter from the outside. The packaging of coffee in a modified atmosphere where the oxygen inside the package is replaced by an inert gas (nitrogen).
This last type of packaging is the one that allows coffee to be kept in perfect condition without adding any type of flavor, odor or chemical substance.
What is nitrogen used for in coffee packaging?
The air we breathe is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and other molecules in lower concentrations, such as carbon dioxide, argon or water.
The protective atmosphere, or Modified Atmosphere to be precise, is the result of altering the composition of the gases inside a package in order to improve the durability of the product.
It should be clarified that nitrogen is not an additive, it dissolves (disappears) immediately when the package is opened.
To do this, an inert gas (nitrogen) is introduced under pressure during the coffee packaging process, displacing oxygen from the inside of the package to the outside. By reducing the amount of oxygen, the growth of organisms is slowed and oxidation reactions are minimized.In addition, it also reduces moisture levels, which helps preserve food without altering the taste or appearance of the food.
Thanks to the protective atmosphere, the aromas of the coffee are confined inside the package and remain protected for much longer. In fact, like good wine, correctly packaged coffee also refines and improves with time.
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FAQs
What are the advantages of on-site nitrogen generation?
- No long-term supply contracts
- Stable and predictable costs
- Cost of gas production proportional to use
- Lower administrative and logistics costs
- Total security
- No storage and transportation costs
Which industries use nitrogen in their production?
- Food and beverage packaging: preserving flavor, aromas and overall quality is an important aspect where N2 does the job.
- Pharmaceutical industry: nitrogen helps pharmaceutical companies save costs and meet the high standards required by the industry.
- Electronics: The margin for error in the manufacture of electronic components is extremely small. To create a precise and controlled environment for packaging, assembly and storage, as well as for the soldering processes themselves, the use of nitrogen is key.