How To Store Coffee
Do you NEED coffee in the morning? You are not alone. One of the worst things to happen in the morning is for your coffee to taste bland. If you have this problem, you might be storing your coffee all wrong! Many of us unknowingly make simple storage mistakes that rob our coffee of its rich taste and aroma. Get ready to learn the right way to store your coffee and elevate your daily cup to barista-level perfection.
Choose an airtight and opaque container to store coffee beans or grounds. Airtight containers will help prevent the coffee from being exposed to too much oxygen, which can lead to flavor degradation, while opaque containers protect the coffee from light, which can cause oils to go rancid and diminish freshness. Look for a container that is designed specifically to store coffee. If you do not have a proper container, consider just keeping the coffee in the bag it came in.
Avoid storing coffee near heat sources, such as stovetops or sunlight, as excessive heat can accelerate flavor loss. Likewise, keep coffee away from moisture, which can lead to mold growth in the coffee and spoilage. Coffee should always be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. A closet or pantry is a fantastic place for coffee to be stored.
Consider purchasing whole coffee beans and then grinding them right before you are ready to brew. Whole coffee beans will stay fresh longer than pre-ground coffee, as grinding exposes more surface area to oxygen, leading to quicker flavor deterioration. Grind your coffee beans immediately before you are ready to brew. This will have a huge impact on the flavor of your coffee, making it tastier than anything you buy at the coffee shop.
Consider storing your coffee in a dark pantry or cabinet away from direct light exposure. Light can degrade coffee’s oils and flavors over time, so keeping it in a dark environment helps preserve its freshness and aroma. Keep your coffee in the bag or canister it came in, then place it in the pantry. It will be much better in a cool, dark place!
While freezing coffee can extend its shelf life, it’s best to avoid freezing unless you need to store large quantities for an extended period. If not done correctly, freezing can alter coffee’s flavor and texture, so use airtight containers and avoid frequent thawing and refreezing. This can greatly diminish the flavor of the coffee. While it will still be safe to drink, it will not taste quite as fresh.
If you prefer pre-ground coffee, store it in smaller batches to minimize exposure to oxygen. Divide larger quantities into weekly or bi-weekly portions and seal them in airtight containers for optimal freshness. If you want to grind all of your coffee at once, try sealing some in a vacuum-sealed bag. This will keep the air out of the coffee but still give you quick, convenient ground coffee anytime you need it!
Contrary to popular belief, storing coffee in the fridge is not recommended. The coffee can absorb odors and moisture from other foods, affecting flavor. Instead, store coffee in a cool, dry place outside the refrigerator for better results. I like to keep my coffee in the pantry, which tends to be cool, dark, and away from other odorous foods.
Ceramic or glass containers are ideal for storing coffee because they do not transfer flavors or odors like plastic containers can. Additionally, they provide airtight seals to keep coffee fresh and flavorful, giving you a delicious cup every time. Make sure your container is not opaque so light cannot get in, as this may also alter the flavor of your coffee. Find a container specifically made for coffee storage. They do exist!
We’ve noted that coffee is highly absorbent and can pick up odors from its surroundings. So, to prevent flavor contamination (inside or outside the fridge), avoid storing coffee near strong-smelling items like spices, onions, or cleaning products. There is nothing worse than a cup of coffee that has an onion flavor! It is pretty amazing how the flavor of coffee can change so drastically just by being near other odorous foods.
If you need to store large quantities of coffee for an extended time, consider investing in a vacuum sealer. Vacuum-sealed bags or containers remove excess air, prolonging coffee’s freshness and flavor retention. You can seal whole beans or pre-ground coffee in a vacuum sealer. Consider dividing the coffee into weekly portions so you can simply open a new bag once a week, keeping the rest sealed.
Keep your storage containers tightly sealed when not in use to minimize the time coffee beans or grounds are exposed to air. Oxygen exposure can accelerate flavor loss and compromise the quality of your coffee. Air is not a coffee’s friend! The container in which you store your coffee is essential to the flavor of your morning brew.
To ensure you enjoy fresh coffee every time, regularly rotate your supply using older coffee beans or grounds before opening a new batch. This practice helps maintain optimal freshness and flavor in your daily brews. Vacuum seal and date your coffee so you can easily see which coffee you purchased first and which should be saved for later. Organizing your coffee and storing it properly will ensure you have a flawless cup of joe every morning.
