Coffee Storage 101
Coffee lovers know that the key to a great cup of coffee lies not just in the brewing method or the quality of the beans, but also in how those beans are stored. Proper storage can significantly extend the freshness and flavor of your coffee, whether you’re using whole beans or ground coffee. Here’s a quick guide on how to keep your coffee beans at their best!
Coffee beans are highly perishable. Exposure to air, moisture, light, and heat can lead to oxidation, resulting in stale or rancid flavors. By being mindful about how you are storing your coffee, you can keep your coffee fresher for longer.
Invest in an airtight container made of opaque material. Glass jars are beautiful but can allow light to seep in, which can degrade the beans. Look for containers that are airtight and not transparent.
Store your coffee beans in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like ovens or stoves. A kitchen cabinet or pantry is usually a good choice.
If you like to buy coffee in bulk, you can store vacuum sealed, unopened coffee beans in the freezer to help preserve the quality and flavor of your beans. However, to avoid any addition moisture that can impact the flavor of the beans, do not store coffee beans that you have already opened in the freezer.
In general, ground coffee is even more sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen than whole beans. So, if you do not go through coffee quickly, you are better off buying whole beans and grinding them for each use, not only to make a fresher tasting cup, but to extend the life of your bag of coffee.
Typically, while ground coffee beans may technically have a longer expiration date, the grounds start going stale about two weeks after opening the bag. After that, the coffee loses a lot of its quality and flavor. In comparison, whole bean coffee can last a month after opening it before it begins to go stale.
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