How to Store Coffee
Direct answer. Keep coffee whole bean in an airtight container, somewhere cool, dark and dry, and use it within about a month of roast. Air, light, heat and moisture are what ruin coffee. The freezer is fine if the coffee is sealed and portioned, and you never refreeze it.
What ruins coffee
- Air. Oxygen stales the oils and aromas.
- Light. Sunlight breaks down flavor compounds.
- Heat. A cabinet over the stove speeds everything up.
- Moisture. Water makes coffee go dull, and it absorbs smells.
How to store it
- Use an airtight container, or keep it in the original bag with the air pressed out and sealed.
- Put it in a cabinet or pantry away from the oven, window and dishwasher.
- Keep it whole bean and grind just before brewing. Ground coffee goes stale faster.
- Do not store coffee in the refrigerator. It collects moisture and picks up food odors.
How long it keeps
Coffee is best within about a month of roast, though it stays drinkable longer. Freshly roasted coffee gives off carbon dioxide for a few days, which is called degassing, so flavor can open up early on. After that the clock runs. Our orders are roasted in the order received, usually within 48 hours of being placed, and shipped 1 to 3 days after roasting, so it is in your hands about 7 days from roast. That leaves a good three weeks to use it.
The freezer question
Freezing is fine if you do it right. Divide the coffee into single-use portions (a week's worth at a time), seal each in an airtight bag with the air pushed out, and freeze. Take out one portion at a time. Let the sealed bag come to room temperature before you open it, so condensation does not form on the beans. Never thaw and refreeze. Do not keep opening one big bag, which is how moisture gets in.
FAQ
Should I store coffee in the fridge?
No. Moisture and food odors get in.
Whole bean or ground?
Whole bean, ground at the last minute.
Can I freeze coffee?
Yes. Seal it in small portions and freeze once. Do not refreeze.
How long does coffee last after opening?
For best flavor, about a month from roast. It is safe longer, just flatter.
Is a vacuum canister worth it?
It helps a little. A simple airtight container kept dark and cool does most of the work.
Next: a subscription brings a fresh bag each month, so nothing sits long enough to go flat. Shipping is free on every website order.