Is there anything better than that first sip of coffee in the morning? We don’t think so. However, in order to make that first sip as gratifying each and every time, you want your coffee to be as fresh as possible. The best way to ensure that your brew is full of flavor is by storing it properly. Proper coffee storage not only involves the type of container that you store your coffee in but also where in your kitchen you store it. Continue reading to learn some expert tips on the best storage methods for coffee.
The Best Storage Containers for Coffee
As you’ve probably noticed, when you buy coffee, it typically comes in a vacuum-sealed package. The reason for this is that vacuum-sealed packaging is best at keeping food fresh. The moment that you open that container, your coffee will start to lose freshness. Thus, you want to do whatever you can to replicate this airtight, vacuum-sealed atmosphere.
For best results, we recommend transferring your coffee beans to a coffee canister with an airtight gasket seal. Opaque containers made of metal, ceramic, or glass are ideal, but you can transfer it to a clear glass or plastic container if necessary - just make sure to keep the container in a dark part of your kitchen (more on that below).
The Best Storage Locations for Coffee
Not only is the container that you store your coffee in important but so is the location where you place that container. Although you certainly want to choose a location that is easy to access (after all, who wants to be searching for their coffee container at 7:00am?), it’s also wise to pick a spot that will maximize your coffee’s freshness. Below, we outline a few storage tips to ensure a fresh, flavorful cup of coffee every time:
- Find a dark, dry, and cool spot to place your coffee canister, e.g. in a cupboard, cabinet, or pantry
- Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer (otherwise you risk moisture getting into the packaging)
- Do not store your coffee in a cupboard or cabinet that is near the oven or stove, as excess heat can cause coffee to spoil
- Storing your coffee on the counter is perfectly acceptable. However, if you go this route, try to find an opaque container to store the coffee in and keep it away from direct sunlight
Is it easier to store ground coffee or whole beans?
While both are easy to store as they can both be stored in a coffee canister, ground coffee has a much shorter shelf life than whole beans. For this reason, if it’s possible, we recommend grinding your coffee beans each morning. That said, many people don’t have the time for this. If you can’t bother to grind your coffee beans each morning, do your best to use whole beans within one month of opening the package and ground beans within two weeks of grinding them.
What temperature should coffee be stored at?
The best temperature for coffee storage is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, this is room temperature. There’s a common misconception that storing your coffee in the fridge or freezer is the best route for freshness, but doing so can actually affect the taste of the beans due to the moisture and condensation that can form when stored this way.
Now that you know a little bit more about how to properly store your coffee, it’s time to put the above tips in action! We hope you enjoy your fresh cup of coffee, and if you’re looking to try something new, visit ColombianCoffee.US, where you’ll find plenty of options - all of which feature 100% arabica beans.
