If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’ll likely want to keep a variety of your favorite roasts on hand. After all, the various types of drinks require different grinds or roasts.
However, it’s important to note that coffee is perishable and that the freshest beans make the best-tasting cup. Therefore, it’s important to know how to keep your coffee fresh for as long as possible. Follow these tips to properly store coffee in order to ensure your beans maintain their appeal.
Choose Whole Beans
Whole coffee beans are always preferable to pre-ground varieties when it comes to the ultimate in freshness. You’ll achieve the best flavor by grinding the beans yourself immediately prior to brewing. Grinding leads to faster oxidizing of coffee, giving it a bitter or flat taste. Beans are definitely best.
Don’t Buy Too Much
While it’s great to have your favorites on hand, you don’t want to go overboard. Experts agree that it’s best to consume your coffee within two weeks of purchase because coffee beans start to slowly lose their defining properties immediately after the beans are roasted. While it may be tempting to stock up on those super sales, you’ll soon discover that ending up with bags of coffee that won’t keep really isn’t much of a bargain.
Keep It Airtight
Exposure to air contributes to the degradation of coffee’s freshness, so it’s imperative that you keep your beans in an airtight container. The bag you bought them in is fine, if it has a strong seal. However, many do not. A glass jar with a tight fitting lid will do the job if you want to ensure longer-lasting quality.
Cool and Dark is Best
Sunlight breaks down the natural properties of your coffee beans, so always be sure to store them someplace dark. In addition, cool temperatures are best for maintaining freshness. However, room temperature is generally fine, as the refrigerator is too cool and also steals the flavor and aroma from your beans. A dark cupboard or corner of your counter should be fine.
These are the basic tips to properly store coffee at home. Just a bit of care and preparation will help to ensure your favorite morning beverage always tastes its best.
