How to keep your coffee fresh for longer

• Posted on 2 January 2025
• By Arno
• Posted in Coffee expertise

Proper storage of coffee is crucial to its flavour. Invest in good quality resealable containers, store your beans in a cool, dry place and grind them just before brewing. These simple tips will not only keep your coffee fresher for longer, but will also make it taste more intense and flavoursome.

Storing coffee and coffee beans correctly: How to keep your coffee fresh for longer

The quality and freshness of coffee are crucial for the taste of your favorite drink. How you store your coffee beans or ground coffee plays an important role in preserving the aroma and quality. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about how to store coffee optimally – from packaging tips to the ideal storage duration.

What to look out for when storing coffee

1. The right packaging

Coffee beans love it dark, dry and cool. That's why the choice of packaging is crucial. Ideally, coffee beans should stay in their original packaging, provided it is resealable and light-proof. These special packages often contain an aroma valve that allows gases to escape without letting oxygen in.

Tip: If you want to transfer beans to a tin, choose airtight containers that don't let light through. But be careful: make sure you remove as much air as possible when closing them.

2. Beans or powder?

Always choose beans! Ground coffee loses its flavor much faster because its larger surface area is more sensitive to oxygen and moisture. It's best to grind your coffee just before brewing.

3. The ideal storage location

Keep coffee in a cool, dry, dark place – a pantry is ideal. The refrigerator is not a good option because it contains moisture and odors that can affect the aroma.

The right packaging: How to protect your coffee aroma

High-quality packaging prevents oxygen, moisture or light from coming into contact with the beans. Modern packaging consists of multi-layer materials such as kraft paper and plastic, often without aluminum, which both protects the aroma and helps the environment.

Packaging with a valve:

These valves allow gases produced after roasting to escape without letting air in. This helps to preserve the aroma for longer.

Beans or powder: what should you store?

Fresh beans beat ground coffee in every way. Ground coffee loses its intensity after just a few hours, while beans stay fresh for several weeks if stored correctly.

Why beans are preferred:

• Smaller surface area for oxygen contact
• Better protection against moisture
• More control over the grind, to suit the preparation method

If you need to store powder, store it in the same way as beans: in an airtight, dry place away from light.

How long can you store coffee?

The fresher the coffee, the better it tastes. Ideally, you should enjoy roasted beans within 2–8 weeks of roasting. During this time, they have developed their optimal flavor.

Important: The best-before date on the packaging is a guideline only and says little about freshness. Coffee that is stored for too long often tastes flat and loses its typical notes.

The right place to store coffee beans

The storage temperature plays a major role: coffee does not like it too warm or too cold.

• Do not store in the refrigerator: temperature differences when putting things in and taking things out can cause condensation, which affects the beans.
• No freezer: even though it is possible to freeze coffee beans, moisture often forms during thawing and the flavor is lost.
• Pantry or cupboard: A cool, dry place is the best place for your coffee.
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The role of roasting gases in coffee storage

After roasting, coffee beans release gases such as carbon dioxide, a process known as “degassing”. This phase is important to stabilize flavor and improve quality.

Aromatic differences depending on the variety:

• Espresso beans: Often need 2–3 weeks to develop their full aroma.
• Filter coffee: Can usually be enjoyed after just a few days.

Shelf life: Why freshness is crucial

The freshness of coffee beans is determined mainly by the date of roasting. The shorter the time since roasting, the more intense the flavor. Check the packaging for the date of roasting – this is a better indicator than the best-before date.

Tips for extending the shelf life:

1. Only buy the amount you can use in a few weeks.
2. Always grind the beans just before preparing the coffee.
3. Use the original packaging or airtight containers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about coffee storage

1. Can I freeze coffee beans?

Yes, but it's not ideal. Thawing often causes moisture to form, which can affect the flavor.

2. How long does coffee keep?

When properly stored, coffee beans can retain their optimal flavor for up to eight weeks. Ground coffee will keep for much less time.

3. Should I store coffee in the refrigerator?

No. The refrigerator is unsuitable because moisture and foreign odors can negatively affect the quality of the coffee.

4. What containers are best?

Airtight, light-proof containers are ideal. The original packaging is often the best option.

5. Why is the roast date important?

The roast date shows how fresh the coffee is. Fresh coffee has a more intense and fuller aroma.

6. Can I drink coffee after the best-before date?

Yes, but the taste will probably not be as intense.