How to Store Coffee for Maximum Freshness

Keep coffee beans airtight and cool

• Coffee beans' greatest enemies are air, moisture, heat, and light.

• To preserve your coffee beans' fresh roasted flavor as long as possible, store them in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature.
• Avoid clear canisters, which allow light to compromise the taste of your coffee.
• Keep your coffee beans in a dark and cool location, such as a pantry or cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Buy the right amount

• Coffee begins to lose freshness almost immediately after roasting.

• Exposure to air is bad for coffee beans, so it's best to buy only as much coffee as you can use within a month of roasting.
• If you prefer to keep your coffee beans in an accessible container, consider dividing your supply into smaller portions and storing the unused portion in an airtight container.
• This is especially important for pre-ground coffee, which has more surface area and therefore loses freshness faster.

Freezing your coffee beans?

• Some coffee experts recommend freezing coffee beans for long-term storage.
• To do this, store the beans in an airtight container in the freezer.
• When you're ready to use the coffee, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before grinding.
• Be sure to use all of the coffee within a few weeks of thawing, as it will start to lose freshness again.

Coffee's freshness over time

• Ground coffee is best when consumed within one to two weeks of grinding.
• Whole beans are best within one month of roasting.

What to avoid in coffee storage

• Coffee does best in a dry, airtight environment.
• Avoid storing coffee in humid areas, such as the refrigerator or freezer.
• Also avoid storing coffee in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Coffee storage locations

• Cool, dark, dry places (such as pantries and cabinets) are best for coffee storage.
• Fridges and freezers should be avoided, as they are too humid and can cause the coffee to lose its flavor.
• Countertops can be used for coffee storage if the coffee is kept in an opaque, airtight container and away from direct sunlight.

Coffee container types

• Glass, ceramic, or non-reactive metal containers with airtight gaskets are ideal for storing coffee.
• Coffee can be stored in clear glass canisters or clear plastic ware if they are kept in a cool, dark place.
• For countertop storage, opaque, airtight containers are best.

Ground coffee vs. whole beans

• Ground coffee has more surface area than whole bean coffee, so it will lose freshness faster.
• If you have the time and equipment, it's ideal to grind your own coffee beans each morning.
• If you're not ready to do that, you can still have delicious fresh coffee if you use whole beans within a month of roasting and ground beans within two weeks of grinding.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can store your coffee properly and enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee for longer.