Best Way to Store Coffee Beans

Many people prefer to purchase whole coffee beans instead of ground coffee. The flavor is often more intense, and the coffee is typically fresher and more aromatic. Unfortunately, most homes are not a good place to store coffee beans, and normal home environments expose beans to their four largest enemies: air, moisture, light and heat. However, knowing the best way to store coffee beans will increase their life considerably.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Airtight, dark-colored container

1. Place your coffee beans in a tightly sealed container. This will prevent moisture and air from reaching the beans, and will ensure a better flavor later.

2. Avoid placing your beans near any source of steam, such as in a cabinet above the coffee pot. Beans kept near a kitchen sink are also at risk of becoming wet.

3. Keep your beans in a cool place inside your home, away from strong light and sunshine. Too much light can significantly reduce the flavor and aroma of coffee beans. Using a dark-colored container works well for reducing the amount of light able to come into contact with your beans.

4. Use your beans as quickly as possible, as even beans stored properly will deteriorate rapidly. Coffee beans hit their peak within 72 hours after roasting. Beans kept longer than that will begin to stale and lose flavor, regardless of where or how they are kept.

5. Refrigerate or freeze your beans if you cannot use them within 2 weeks after purchase. Although keeping coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer is not ideal, it will slow the deterioration of the beans and keep them fresher longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Whole roasted beans will only keep up to 2 weeks, while whole green coffee beans may last for up to a year.