Everybody loves the enchanting aroma and flavor of freshly roasted coffee beans.
But do you need to buy coffee bag after coffee bag weekly to drink the best roast? Certainly NOT!
We’ll share with you 3 excellent tips to keep your coffee fresh.
You’ll surely get the most out of that steamy cup of coffee on a Monday morning to start your week right.
How to Store Coffee Beans Properly
Many people have their own way of storing coffee beans. But, there’s always a proper way to do things, including coffee storage.
Storing coffee beans correctly is a free lifetime pass to ditch stale beans! Here are the 3 things you MUST do if you want to keep tasting the freshness of your coffee beans:
1. Always Use Airtight Containers
Unlike humans, coffee beans aren’t friends with air, and it’s the first thing you must ELIMINATE from your bean’s atmosphere.
For long-term storage, the safest option to go with is an airtight container. This type of coffee storage protects the flavor and aroma of your beans for the best cup of roast.
But, if you think purchasing a separate container for coffee is costly, you can use the original packaging that comes with your beans.
Most coffee bags are made to keep the oxygen and carbon dioxide away with one-way valves that get rid of air and seal the beans shut.
REMEMBER: Keep the air out for a happy coffee bean!
2. Store Beans in a Cool, Dark Place
Aside from air, exposure to light is another thing your coffees hate. They prefer to sit in the dark to keep their cool and freshness.
In this case, we suggest you get opaque containers, not transparent ones. If you’re using mason jars to store your coffee beans, choose a cool and dark spot in your kitchen.
Cabinets placed near the oven and a kitchen counter exposed to the sun are no good for your coffee beans.
3. Stay Away From the Fridge
Moisture is always present inside your fridge. Hence, it’s the last place your coffee beans want to stay in for long.
There’s also a possibility that they will absorb unusual odors from other food.
By storing them inside the refrigerator, your beans will begin to lose flavor, and you can no longer ace that perfect espresso.
BONUS TIP: Get Whole Coffee Beans
Whole bean coffee is always BETTER than pre-ground coffee. That’s because whole beans retain flavor and aroma much longer.
For ground coffee beans, the oxidation process is accelerated, which results in the loss of aroma and flavor.
If you’re used to drinking freshly roasted coffee from your local cafe, ground beans stored for a long time may taste stale.
Also, remember to only grind the beans you need and divide them into smaller batches. In this case, a single dose grinder will also come in handy.
What to Avoid When Storing Coffee Beans
Putting your beans in the freezer is an entirely debatable topic. While some think it’s okay, it’s still a big NO in our book.
It’s something you shouldn’t do when unnecessary, especially for opened coffee bags.
Surely, you can consider doing so if you’re off camping or on a long road trip. But doing it daily is something we don’t recommend.
NOTE: You can keep them in the freezer if the bags are sealed and unopened. When it’s about time to use them, let the beans thaw at room temperature before you brew.
Other things you must AVOID are:
- Light
- Air
- Moisture
How Long Can You Store Coffee Beans?
Coffee is unlike other food that will go spoiled after a few days or weeks. The shelf life of coffee beans highly depends on coffee bean storage and roast date.
Hence, you’re free to keep them for as long as you want. Just remember to keep them away from light, air, and moisture.
As previously mentioned, you should keep them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry, and dark place.
However, you should also know that over time, the quality of your beans may DETERIORATE.
How Long Do Coffee Beans Last and Stay Fresh?
Unlike some food, coffee will last for a very long time! Instant coffee, for example, can last up to 20 years with proper storage.
But, if you’re concerned about the coffee’s freshness, there are a few things you must take note of:
- Whole coffee beans – wait for a few days after the roast date before you brew to ensure that the carbon dioxide from the roasting process is eliminated. Make sure to use up the whole bag within a month after opening.
- Coffee ground – use this within 2-3 weeks or before the expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good storage is equal to better coffee. Keeping your coffee beans fresh is always a good thing.
In this article, we tackled a few tips to address the main factors causing coffees to be stale. If you still have questions, keep reading!
What Is the Best Way to Store Fresh Coffee Beans?
The best tip is to keep your roasted beans in an airtight container, like a coffee canister, especially if they’re packed in a paper bag.
You can also keep them in their original packaging as long as it has a one-way valve to keep the air away.
Should I Store My Coffee Beans in the Fridge?
- Storing the beans in the fridge attracts moisture and odor from other food. With this, the coffee will lose its original flavor and aroma.
Does Freezing Coffee Beans Keep Them Fresh?
You can store unopened bags in the freezer, but it’s not recommended. If you do, don’t let it stay for more than a week.
Is It Okay to Store Coffee Beans in Mason Jars?
Mason jars are okay as long as they have an airtight lid. But, you have to ensure that you keep it somewhere dark and cool.
What Is the Best Container to Store Ground Coffee In?
An airtight, opaque coffee canister is the best container to keep your beans. This keeps air, moisture, and light away from coffee.
Final Words
Keeping your coffee beans fresh is probably the best way to ace the best-tasting coffee. More coffee lovers can enjoy the best coffee experience with these tips, including YOU!
Now, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a coffee maker and some coffee beans, and brew the perfect cup of roast!
Leave a Reply