Do you know what the valve actually does on coffee packaging? Up until now, the valve has been thought to be used to smell coffee from outside the package. However, the main function of the valve is more than that.

coffee packaging valve function
Source: https://epacflexibles.com

Valves are essential for preserving the freshness of coffee. They allow consumers to gauge the freshness of the coffee they are about to purchase.

What is Valve?

Valve is a valve or cover that is made to fit the hole so that there is no leakage. You can see the presence of this small circle-shaped valve on coffee packaging. Usually, it is at the top or even in the center of the package.

The valve is a one-way orifice. This means that the gas inside the package can escape without allowing outside air to enter the package. Not only used in coffee, valves are generally used for industries related to water and gas. Because, the main function of the valve is to regulate the flow of fluride. This valve is useful for preventing explosions that occur due to the capacity of water or gas that is too full.

However, many still think that the main function of the valve is to inhale the aroma of coffee. Actually, the valve keeps the quality of the coffee well preserved. As is well known, oxygen makes coffee spoil quickly. Therefore, the existence of this valve serves to remove carbon dioxide or CO2 gas, and prevent O2 gas from entering the packaging.

During the roasting process, coffee beans produce a lot of gas or carbon dioxide. This process will continue for several days after the coffee has finished roasting, which is referred to as degassing. This is why coffee cannot be consumed immediately after roasting. The gas contained in it causes the coffee flavor to still not be optimal. A degassing process is required to release the existing gas before the coffee can be optimally brewed.

Degassing Process in Coffee

The quality of coffee flavor is inseparable from the process of gas release or what can be called degassing. The degassing process in coffee is a natural process that occurs after coffee is roasted. Over a period of time, the gas will slowly escape from the coffee beans. There are many ways you can speed up the release of gas.

For example, by grinding and brewing it. Alternatively, it can also be stored in an airtight container. This is also done by storing coffee in a package equipped with a valve. Usually, the degassing process takes several days or weeks. The gas content will come out slowly from 40 percent onwards.

According to Perfect Daily Grind, Joe Behm, Founder of Brehmor, a company that produces home roasters, tried roasting Guatemalan coffee in one of his devices. After 72 hours or about 3 days, the coffee tastes like rubber. However, after standing for 96 hours or 1 day longer, the flavor of the coffee starts to have a strong character.

This proves how important the process of degassing or letting the gas escape from the coffee beans for a few days is. With a valve, there is no need to use additional tools. You can let the coffee release its gas naturally in the package. In addition, there is no need to worry that air from outside will enter because the valve principle is indeed a one-way hole. The valve releases gas from the inside and does not allow outside air to enter.

Advantages of Valve Function in Coffee Packaging

From the explanation of the valve above, it can be concluded that the use of valves in coffee packaging provides various benefits. Primarily, of course, it provides the advantage of keeping the coffee fresh. However, there are other advantages as follows

Increase Selling Value

Coffee packaging that uses valves can increase marketability. The reason is that the valve guarantees the freshness of the coffee.

In addition, packaging that uses valves usually looks elegant in appearance. The packaging also allows coffee entrepreneurs to send coffee to various regions without worrying about coffee spoiling.

Slows Changes in Coffee Flavor and Aroma

As is well-known, coffee beans undergo changes in flavor and aroma over time, resulting in shifts in the taste of coffee. This transformation occurs due to the oxidation process or the infiltration of gases into the coffee beans when they are exposed to the open air.

Hence, the inclusion of a valve in the packaging ensures superior preservation of the coffee beans by preventing the ingress of gases. Consequently, this valve helps slow down the alteration of flavor and aroma, allowing the coffee to maintain its freshness for an extended period.


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