How Long Can You Store Coffee?

Proper storage of coffee ensures that the coffee stays dry, away from oxygen, in a cool dark place and away from other flavors that will contaminate the flavor of the coffee. Coffee can be stored either at room temperature or in a freezer with slightly different storage methods.

Short-term Storage

Coffee that will be used within two weeks can be stored at room temperature. To prevent flavor contamination, coffee needs to be stored in sealed storage container that is not clear. A ceramic canister with a seal is ideal for storing coffee since it will keep the coffee dry, and does not absorb flavors. Coffee is porous and absorbs flavors so a plastic container can leach other flavors into the coffee.

Long-term Storage

Coffee that is not going to be used within two weeks can be stored in the freezer. Special precautions must be taken when freezing coffee to ensure that the coffee stays dry and that it does not absorb flavors from other food in the freezer. Temperatures within a freezer rise and fall as the door is opened and closed. This means that moisture will be in the air, attach itself to surfaces such as the coffee and then refreeze, contaminating the coffee. The best way to prevent against this is to keep the coffee in its original packaging, then putting that packaging into a plastic freezer bag, Use a straw to suck all of the air out of the plastic bag when sealing to create a vacuum seal against moisture and other flavors.

Thawing Frozen Coffee

Coffee should only be thawed once so don't move coffee from the freezer and back again. If you have bought the coffee in bulk, store it in two-week amounts. Take out one two-week bag at a time, move it into the canister and use the coffee from the canister each day.

Why Not Refrigerate?

Coffee should never be refrigerated. Since the temperature inside a refrigerator is above freezing, there is liquid water and more odors inside the refrigerator. Storing coffee in the refrigerator almost ensures that the coffee will taste stale and be flavored like last night's dinner.

Raw Beans

Another coffee storage option is to buy raw, green coffee beans. These beans can be stored for up to a year before being roasted. Raw coffee beans should be stored in an airtight bag or container and kept in a cool, dark, dry environment. A plastic zipper bag inside of a paper bag provides a good environment. Be sure to store the beans in a cupboard away from the stove or oven. This option requires roasting your own coffee beans as needed, but is perhaps the best option for buying in bulk and storing for extended periods of time.

References

• I Need Coffee
• National Coffee Association

Resources

• Ceramic Coffee Storage