Can coffee beans be exposed to light?

Whether coffee beans should be exposed to light has always been a controversial topic. Some people believe that coffee beans should be kept away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness and quality. However, others firmly believe that moderate sunlight exposure has a positive effect on the development and flavor of coffee beans.

First, opponents believe that coffee beans should be kept away from sunlight. They believe that ultraviolet rays in sunlight can accelerate oxidation and may destroy the nutrients and flavor components in coffee beans. In addition, excessive exposure to the sun may also cause moisture loss, making the coffee beans dry and brittle. Therefore, during transportation, storage and handling, they advocate the use of shelters to protect coffee beans from direct sunlight.

However, some experts advocate exposing coffee beans to moderate sunlight under controlled conditions. They point out that exposure to sunlight within a reasonable range can promote pigment formation, increase sweetness and improve the flavor of coffee. In addition, ultraviolet rays in sunlight can kill some bacteria and fungi, helping to keep coffee beans sanitary and safe. Therefore, in some specific regions, such as Brazil and other major coffee-producing countries, farmers choose to dry coffee beans outdoors in the open air.

Overall, there are pros and cons to exposing coffee beans to light. Although excessive exposure may lead to quality degradation and flavor loss, moderate exposure can help improve flavor, kill bacteria, and improve quality. Therefore, whether to block sunlight during processing and storage should be determined on a case-by-case basis, and attention should be paid to controlling the time and intensity to avoid adverse effects.