The Best Way to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

Coffee in moderation provides a number of potential health benefits:

  • Boosts energy levels (the most obviously one).
  • May be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Could support brain health.
  • May promote weight management.
  • Linked to a lower risk of depression.
  • Could protect against liver conditions.
  • Supports heart health.
  • Could increase longevity.

If you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ve probably visited all the latest and greatest cafes, taken a barista course, and invested in a top-notch coffee machine from Pelican Rouge, Dr Coffee or similar reputable brand. Despite all these efforts, however, sometimes your coffee still doesn’t taste as good as in your favourite café. So what’s the solution? It might be in how you store your beans.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Storing Coffee Beans

When it comes to storing coffee beans, you need to understand that getting it wrong can lead to a lacklustre cup of coffee, while getting it right can result in a delicious experience!

Here are the do’s and don’ts of storing coffee beans at home.

Do: Use Air-Tight Containers

Always store your coffee beans in air-tight containers because exposure to the air is one of the biggest threats to the freshness of your coffee; it causes the beans to oxidise and leads to stale, flat flavours. The solution is to use specially designed coffee storage containers with one-way valves that allow carbon dioxide to escape but prevent air from entering.

Don’t: Store Coffee in the Fridge or Freezer

A common misconception is that storing coffee in the fridge or freezer will keep it fresh. However, fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels cause condensation on the beans, leading to a degradation of flavours and aromas. This occurs because coffee beans are porous and can absorb odours from other foods stored in the fridge.

Do: Keep Coffee in a Cool, Dark Place

Light and heat can also adversely affect your coffee beans. Store your coffee in a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight, ovens, and any heat-generating appliances. A stable, cool environment helps preserve the beans’ natural flavours and prevents the oils within them from breaking down.

keep coffee beans fresh

Don’t: Buy More Than You Need

Buying coffee in bulk might seem convenient, but it can lead to stale coffee if you don’t consume it quickly enough. Purchase smaller amounts of coffee more frequently to ensure you’re always brewing with the freshest beans possible. Ideally, try to buy enough to last one to two weeks.

Do: Consider the Packaging

If possible, keep your coffee beans in their original packaging if it’s resealable and opaque. Many roasters pack their coffee in bags equipped with one-way valves designed to keep out the air while letting out gases that the coffee emits as it degasses. If the packaging is unsuitable, transfer the beans to a specialised container, as mentioned above.

Don’t: Expose to Moisture

Moisture is a major enemy of coffee beans, leading to mould and a loss of flavour. So, make sure your storage containers are moisture-free and don’t use containers that have previously stored moist food items unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Do: Label and Date Your Coffee

Labelling and dating your coffee can help you use it within its optimal freshness period. This habit is particularly helpful if you like to experiment with different types and blends of coffee.

Keys to the Perfect Cup of Coffee

If you follow these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring that each cup of coffee you make is as fresh and flavourful as possible. Remember, how you store your coffee beans can be just as important as how you grind and brew them. Treat your coffee beans with care, and they will reward you with exceptional taste.