Coffee, the nectar of the gods. This bitter, yet delicious beverage has been around for centuries and shows no signs of slowing down. Coffee is enjoyed by billions of people around the world every day, but have you ever stopped to think about how to best store your coffee?
Coffee beans are actually quite delicate, and proper storage is essential to maintaining their flavor and freshness.
According to experts, the best way to keep coffee fresh is to store it in an opaque airtight container on a pantry shelf away from light, heat, and moisture.
One of the best containers I have found so far for keeping my beans fresh is this Veken Airtight Stainless Steel Container
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It has a one-way CO2 valve that pushes air out of the container. Roasted coffee beans let off carbon dioxide gas. The CO2 actually protects the coffee beans' flavor. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air so as more CO2 is released from the beans, it pushes out the air that is in the container through the one-way valve.
I only use 100% BPA-free products and the silicone rubber seal abides by this rule.
Another great feature of this container is a date tracker on the lid so you can keep track of exactly when you bought it. You just have to remember to use it.
It comes with a scoop that you can hang on the container so you never have to go searching for a scooper.
Should Your Freeze Coffee?
Is the freezer a good place for storing coffee to maintain its freshness? Well, it depends...
Freezing coffee beans or ground coffee can help to preserve the flavor and aroma for longer. Coffee is a complex product, and its flavors can quickly degrade when exposed to oxygen or heat.
By keeping coffee in the freezer, you can help to keep its flavor fresh for longer. Additionally, freezing coffee can also prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
On the downside, coffee that has been stored in the freezer may lose some of its flavor when thawed. Additionally, condensation can build up on coffee beans or grinds that are stored in the freezer, which can lead to a loss of color and texture.
If you choose to freeze your coffee beans or ground coffee, be sure to use an airtight container and consume within one month for best results. Although I don't freeze my coffee, I use these reusable bags to freeze foods.
You should portion the coffee out before you put it in the freezer because you should never take it in and out of the freezer as the slight thaw will add moisture and freeze each time you take it out.
Should You Keep Your Coffee In The Fridge?
Many people mistakenly store their coffee in the refrigerator. But coffee should never be stored in areas with high humidity. Humidity will evaporate the moisture in your coffee, leaving you with stale, flavorless coffee.
One of the most important things to remember when enjoying coffee is that it is best to store coffee beans whole until you are ready to drink them. Once you are close to drinking your coffee, grind away.
Whole bean coffee will last much longer than ground coffee, so it is important to time your grinding within a week of when you plan to use the coffee beans. This way, you can enjoy the freshest cup of coffee possible.
I hope this post has helped you understand how to store your coffee so it stays fresh and delicious. I’ve shared with you my favorite storage container that helps keep out light, heat and moisture. Here it is again if you want to check it out.
Thanks for reading!