Coffee is dear to many of us. It’s how we start our day. It gives us the energy, and in fact motivation, we need to keep the day going.
Knowing how to properly store our coffee beans is very important because a bag of stale coffee can be disappointing, and in fact, affect our productivity for the day.
To maintain your coffee’s freshness, it’s best to store it in an airtight container (to lock out moisture) and keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
How to Store Coffee Beans
Buy Whole Beans
First and foremost, buy whole bean coffee instead of pre-ground coffee. Whole beans retain their flavor and aroma much better than pre-ground coffee, which can quickly lose its freshness once exposed to air.
Store in an Airtight Container
Once you have your whole bean coffee, it’s important to store it properly. The best way to do this is to store the beans in an airtight container as this will prevent air, moisture, and light from getting to the beans, which can cause them to spoil quickly.
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a specially designed coffee storage container works well for this purpose.
Keep Away from Heat and Light
Keep your coffee beans away from heat and light to stop them from losing their flavor and freshness. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, as advised by the National Coffee Association of USA.
While it may be convenient to store the container on the counter or cabinet, direct sunlight, as well as heat from appliances like stovetops and ovens can cause the oils in the beans to break down and ultimately affect the taste of your coffee.
Avoid Freezing or Refrigerating
Coffee beans in the freezer or refrigerator is not recommended, although it can still be done. The moisture in these environments can cause the beans to absorb unwanted flavors and aromas, which will affect the taste of the coffee.
For freshness and quality, whole coffee beans should be consumed within 3-5 months if in the pantry from the date of purchase, 3-5 months if pantry-stored after opening; and 3-4 months if refrigerated after opening as advised by the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA.
Once ground, coffee begins to lose its flavor quickly, so it’s best to grind only the amount you need for each brew.
How Long Can You Store Whole Coffee Beans?
Whole coffee beans can be stored for several weeks to a few months depending on the storage conditions. To maintain their freshness and flavor, it is recommended to use the beans within 2 to 4 weeks after the roast date.
After that time, the coffee beans will start to lose their flavor and the beloved “coffee aroma” due to exposure to air, moisture, and light.
If you store the beans properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, they can last for 3 months and up.
Ground coffee beans, however, do not have such grace. Once they are ground, they begin to lose their flavor and aroma more rapidly than whole beans. Therefore, it is recommended to use ground coffee within a week to 10 days for the best flavor.
How to Store Green Coffee Beans
Storing green coffee beans is similar to storing roasted coffee beans, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
The first thing you should know is that green coffee beans are very sensitive to moisture and odors. They absorb the moisture and odors around them more quickly than roasted coffee beans. So keep your green coffee beans away from moisture and strong odors.
Secondly, green coffee beans are more susceptible to pests and mold growth. Told you they’re sensitive, didn’t I?
Finally, how to store them. Store your green coffee in an air- and watertight container to keep out moisture and strong odors, and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, just like roasted coffee beans.