How to store coffee
properly
Freshly roasted coffee is a delicate natural product. With the right storage its aroma lasts considerably longer — and you get the best out of every bean.
The four enemies of aroma
Coffee loses its aroma mainly through four influences. If you know them, you automatically store better:
- Oxygen — oxidises the aroma oils and makes coffee stale.
- Light — UV radiation breaks down aroma compounds.
- Heat — accelerates every ageing process.
- Moisture — makes coffee clump and lose aroma.
How to store it right
-
1
Seal airtight
Keep coffee in an airtight, opaque container. A canister with a good lid or the original aroma-protection bag with valve are ideal.
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2
Keep it cool and dark
A cupboard away from the stove, window and heating is the best place. A constant room temperature matters more than the coldest possible spot.
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3
Buy whole beans
Ground coffee loses its aroma many times faster. Ideally, grind only just before brewing.
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4
Order the right amount
Buy as much coffee as you use in about three to four weeks. That way you always drink it within its ideal aroma window.
Does coffee belong in the fridge?
Better not. In the fridge the temperature fluctuates and condensation forms as soon as the pack is taken out. Coffee also easily absorbs foreign odours. A dark kitchen cupboard at room temperature is the better choice.
Freezing can make sense if you want to store larger quantities for a very long time — but portion it airtight and never refreeze after thawing. For normal consumption it is rarely worth it.
How long does coffee stay fresh?
Freshly roasted coffee needs a few days of rest before it shows its full aroma. After that it tastes very good for several weeks. It is best enjoyed within about four to six weeks of the roast date. Coffee does not spoil quickly — it simply loses aroma little by little.