How to Store Coffee

If you want to make the best coffee, proper storage is crucial. Here's how to store it so you can have a great tasting cup of coffee whenever you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider purchasing whole bean coffee. Ground coffee is very convenient, however it tends to lose its flavor more easily than whole beans coffee. Consequently, ground coffee doesn't stay fresh as long as coffee beans.
2. Keep your coffee in its valve-sealed or vacuum-sealed package if you don't open it right away. However, once coffee is opened, you'll need a special container for optimal storage. Repackage any coffee that comes in a paper bag.
3. Store your coffee purchase in an airtight container that has a rubber or a silicone seal. You'll find airtight coffee canisters made out of glass, metal or plastic. Airtight containers keep air and moisture out of your coffee, and this is important in coffee storage.
4. Decide where you are going to place your coffee. Whether you decided to use an airtight container or the original packaging, it's important to keep your coffee in a dark and cool location. Heat and light will destroy the flavor of your coffee, so always store it in a cabinet or in your pantry, away from sunlight and heat.
5. Use your freezer for long term storage to keep your coffee from getting stale. However, freezer storage is not recommended unless you need to store coffee for a longer period of time. Put your coffee in airtight bags if you decide to keep it in the freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a coffee grinder online, at coffee shops, kitchen supply stores or discount stores if have whole bean coffee at home.
• Consider purchasing small quantities of coffee if possible. Purchasing just enough coffee for you to use in one to two weeks is advisable. This way, you'll always have fresh coffee when you want it.
• Whole bean coffee that is stored in the freezer will last for about two months, while ground coffee that is stored in the freezer will last for about 3 to 4 weeks.
• Do not store your coffee near the stove or out on a kitchen counter.
• Never put coffee back into the freezer once it has been taken out of the freezer. This will weaken the flavor of your coffee.
• Freeze coffee at your own risk. Coffee that's frozen might not taste as good because the flavor may be affected by the moisture associated with freezing coffee.