Whether you’re a home barista or someone who simply loves a good cup of joe, storing coffee correctly is essential to ensure that your coffee remains fresh and flavorful. But how long can you store coffee for before it goes bad? Let’s find out!

 

Storing Coffee Beans

Whole beans have the longest shelf life of all types of coffee; they typically last up to 6 months when kept in an airtight container away from sunlight and heat.  Plastic bags are not ideal because they don’t provide enough protection against air, moisture, heat, and light. The best way to store them is in a sealed glass or ceramic jar with a tight lid on the countertop or another dry place like the pantry. If you want to make sure your beans stay even fresher longer, keeping them in a vacuum-sealed bag inside the fridge is also an option—but remember that this may affect their flavor subtly over time due to the cold temperature.

 

Storing Coffee Grounds

 If you're purchasing pre-ground coffee rather than grinding your own beans (which we highly recommend!), then you want to buy in smaller batches which can be consumed within a week or two for maximum freshness. Ground coffee is more susceptible to losing its flavor quickly.  When storing ground coffee use an airtight container, like a jar or tin with a tight lid, and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight as well.  Also, to further protect your grinds from moisture, avoid storing them in a refrigerator or freezer. This will help to preserve the flavor of your grinds and extend their shelf life.

 

Can I Freeze My Beans?

Yes and no! Freezing whole beans can help extend their shelf life for up to one year—but only if you keep them properly sealed inside an airtight container or freezer bag! Frozen beans are not recommended for use in espresso machines because they don’t grind well; however, they work great if used with drip brewers or poured over ice cubes for a delicious cold brew.

 

Storing your coffee correctly doesn’t have to be difficult - all it takes is finding the right container and the right place in your kitchen! With these tips in mind, now all there's left for you to do is get out there and find the perfect roast for your next cup of coffee.  Cheers!

 

 

Richard Garske