How to store your coffee beans?
Once roasted, coffee slowly begins to lose its aroma. And once ground, it happens even faster. But even in beans, it all depends on how you store it. Refrigerator? Airtight container? Dark cupboard? Some preconceived ideas are hard to break. So here's a quick guide to properly storing your coffee and enjoying its aromas right up to the last cup.
Why is conservation so important?
Coffee is a living product. Roasted to the core, it releases subtle aromas derived from hundreds of volatile compounds over several weeks. But these aromas are fragile: air, humidity, heat, and light are its worst enemies.
If stored improperly, even excellent coffee can lose quality, becoming flat, rancid, or simply bland.
The 4 enemies of coffee (to be avoided absolutely)
Air (oxygen)
Oxidation is the primary factor in flavor degradation. Leaving your coffee in a loosely sealed bag or a leaky jar can cause it to lose its complexity within a few days.
Humidity
Coffee absorbs moisture like a sponge. It accelerates its aging process… and can even lead to mold growth if you store it in a place with excessive humidity (yes, we see you, refrigerators).
The light
Exposed to light, especially if stored in a transparent container, coffee undergoes a degradation of its oils and aromatic compounds. The result: oxidation, rancidity, and loss of flavor.
The heat
Too high a temperature accelerates the chemical reactions responsible for the loss of aromas. Therefore, avoid cabinets above the oven or next to the toaster.
Good reflexes for preserving aromas
Store it in an airtight container
Ideally, an opaque container with a tight seal, such as a clip-on lid or screw cap. Some specialized containers even include a valve to release the CO₂ without letting air in.
Store it in a cool, dry place
Understand: not hot, not humid, not exposed to light. A closed cupboard at room temperature is perfect.
Leave it in grain
Grinding accelerates the degradation of aromas. Grinding on demand is the best guarantee of fresh coffee.
Avoid large quantities
Buy in small quantities, adapted to your consumption rate. As a general rule, it's better to buy a package every two to three weeks than a kilo every two months.
And the fridge, shall we talk about it?
No. Really, no. The refrigerator is a humid environment filled with odors that the coffee will absorb (garlic, onion, cheese... yum). Plus, the temperature changes every time you open and close the door promote condensation.
Freezing can be an option for storing coffee for a long time... as long as you freeze it in well-sealed, airless portions, and only take out what you're going to consume. But if you drink coffee regularly, it's best to buy fresh coffee in small quantities.
Ideal duration of consumption
- Ideally : within 3 months after roasting
- Still very good : up to 6 months, if well stored
- Gradual decline : beyond that, coffee gradually loses its subtleties
Conclusion
Storing your coffee isn't complicated. In fact, it's one of the simplest ways to improve your daily cup. And it doesn't require sophisticated equipment, a refrigerator, or a sterling silver pot. Just a little care. After all, if you've chosen a good coffee, you might as well give it a beautiful setting right down to the last drop.
Learn more about coffee by discovering what ethical coffee is .
