How To Store Coffee Beans

Coffee is at it’s freshest when it has just been roasted- from that point on, coffee begins to deteriorate.  It would be worthwhile to find out if there are any local roasters in your area and where you can purchase their coffee. This cuts down on time that coffee is spent in transit or inventory.  The longer after roasting your coffee is consumed, the less quality of taste it has.

Another consideration is to purchase your coffee in small quantities.  If you want to achieve optimal freshness and quality in your cup of coffee, it is worth it to buy less at once.  This assures that your coffee isn’t stored for long amounts of time.  You shouldn’t store coffee more than 1-2 weeks at a time.

It is becoming more popular for distributors to package their coffee in opaque, airtight, and vacuum-sealed bags with a special valve that allows air out, but not in.  If you can keep your coffee in this bag and you consume it regularly, that is your best option.
If you happen to purchase coffee that comes in any other packaging, it might be a good idea to transfer your coffee to an airtight glass or ceramic container which does not allow light in.

It is also best to store your coffee in a cool, dark place where the temperature doesn’t continually fluctuate (A canister next to your oven or stove is not a wise idea).  A pantry or cool closet is ideal.

Storing coffee in the freezer or fridge is a bad idea.  It causes the coffee to come into contact with moisture which can severely effect the taste and quality of your coffee.  Coffee also absorbs moisture and odors much like baking soda. You don’t want to taste traces of last nights leftovers in your coffee do you?