How to Store Open Coffee

When it comes to the subject of storing open coffee beans, there is a right way and a wrong way. Unfortunately, too many people claim to know the right way and end up telling you the wrong way, leading you to disaster. Here is the right way to ensure that your coffee stays as fresh and flavorful as the day it was picked from the trees.

1. First: Storage

   Keep your coffee away from air, moisture, heat and light. Always store it in a cool, dark and dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Do not store it in the refrigerator or the freezer; the moisture makes the coffee's flavor oils disintegrate, and makes it taste bland and bitter.

2. Second: Containers

   It is best to put unused beans in a container as soon as possible. A glass, ceramic or non-reactive metal container with an airtight seal is ideal.

3. Third: Preserving the freshness

   Coffee starts to lose its freshness as soon as it is opened; its peak flavor is a few days after it is roasted. Ground coffee is best consumed within one to two weeks, while whole beans are best within a month. To keep coffee fresh, buy it in quantities that last a short time and store it correctly. If you buy it in bulk, store it tightly in an airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dark and dry area, but put a small amount in a small container to have handy.

4. Fourth: Types of coffee

   Whole coffee beans last longer than ground coffee, while green (unroasted) beans can last up to a year if stored properly.