How to Store Coffee Beans (The Ultimate Guide)

Do you want to learn how to store coffee beans properly so they stay as fresh and flavourful as possible? If so, this blog post is for you!  

 

The truth is, if you store your coffee beans improperly, it will not only affect the taste but also its freshness. On the other hand, learning the right way to keep your beans fresh all the time will result in the ultimate cup of coffee every time. 

 

This guide is designed to help you learn how to store coffee beans in a way that maximizes their shelf life and preserves their unique aromas and flavors. Read on to learn more. 

How to Store Coffee Beans For Optimal Freshness 

1.  Store your coffee beans in an airtight container. This will help prevent oxygen from getting to the beans, which can cause them to become stale. 
2. Keep your coffee beans in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can also contribute to the degradation of coffee beans. 
3. Avoid storing your coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer. The moisture and odours in these environments can negatively affect the taste of the beans. 
4. Buy whole bean coffee rather than pre-ground coffee and grind your beans just before brewing. This will help ensure that your coffee is as fresh as possible. 
5. Use a container made of non-reactive material, such as ceramic, glass or stainless steel. Avoid containers made of plastic or other materials that can absorb odours. 
6. Store your coffee beans away from strong-smelling foods and spices. Coffee can absorb the flavours of other foods, which can affect the taste of your coffee. 
7. Only buy as much coffee as you need for a week or two. Coffee beans are at their freshest for about two weeks after roasting, so it's best to only buy what you'll use during that time. 
8. Don't grind your coffee beans too finely, as this can cause them to lose flavour more quickly. 
9. If you have a large amount of coffee to store, consider dividing it into smaller portions and storing each portion separately. This will help keep the coffee fresher for longer. 

How Long Can I Store Coffee Beans Before They Go Bad?

Coffee beans are best enjoyed within two weeks of roasting. After that, the flavour of the coffee will begin to degrade as time passes.  

 

We talked to Ivan - a coffee expert from Espressoverse - who claims that freshly roasted coffee beans can still be good for up to one to two months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture.  

 

However, this timeframe is still highly dependent on storage conditions and the type of bean used. For example, dark-roasted varieties tend to last longer than light-roasted varieties due to their higher oil content.  

 

Additionally, high-quality Arabica beans have a longer shelf life than Robusta varieties as they contain more antioxidants and flavour compounds.  

 

As such, it’s important to keep your beans sealed tightly and in an environment that won’t affect their quality too quickly while also checking them regularly for freshness before use. 

What Is the Best Place to Store My Coffee Beans? 

When choosing the ideal place to store your coffee beans, there are many environmental factors that should be considered.  

 

Firstly, you should ensure that the environment is dry and cool, with a relative humidity level of less than 60%. Too much moisture or heat can cause the beans to lose their flavour and aroma.  

 

The temperature should also remain consistent as fluctuations may accelerate the staling of your beans.  

 

Additionally, direct sunlight is detrimental to coffee beans as ultraviolet rays may cause their oils to break down, giving them an undesirable taste.  

 

Moreover, it’s important to select an area which is free from strong odours as these can be absorbed by your beans and affect their overall flavour profile.  

Can I Store Coffee Beans In the Fridge or Freezer?

No, you should not store coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can have a significant impact on their flavour and aroma.  

 

Coffee beans are hygroscopic, which means that they tend to absorb moisture and aromas from their environment. Storing them in the fridge or freezer can cause them to become soggy and stale, resulting in a less than desirable cup of coffee.  

 

Instead of storing your coffee beans in the fridge or freezer, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight. This will preserve the freshness and flavour of your coffee beans for longer. 

 

If you really want (or need - because you bought bags in bulk) to freeze coffee beans, make sure the bag is completely closed before storing it in a freezer. 

 

When you are ready to use the coffee beans, let them thaw out until they are at room temperature. This will help keep some of the flavours but it takes extra time. 

Which Stays Fresher for Longer, Whole Bean Coffee or Pre-Ground? 

Whole bean coffee is generally considered to be the more optimal option, as they stay fresher for longer and contain more flavour than pre-ground options.  

 

This is because pre-ground coffee is exposed to air and begin to lose flavour over time. With whole bean coffee, however, oxidation happens much more slowly, and you can keep beans fresh for up to two weeks in a sealed container.  

 

Pre-ground coffee contains fewer volatile compounds responsible for its flavour and aroma, so it may start tasting stale within a few days of being opened.  

 

Additionally, pre-ground coffee doesn't offer as many grinding options as whole bean does. You can choose from an array of grind sizes when using whole beans, allowing you to select the perfect consistency for your brewing method of choice.  

 

Ultimately, if you're looking for fresher and tastier coffee with more customizable options, whole bean is your best bet. 

What Type of Container Should I Use to Store Coffee Beans? 

For optimal storage of coffee beans, you should look for a container that is airtight and can be sealed. We recommend three different types: 

• Glass containers are the best choice for coffee bean storage, as glass does not absorb odour or moisture, and will protect the beans from light exposure.  

• Ceramic containers are also a good option, as they are non-porous and provide more insulation than glass.  
• Stainless steel containers will also work well, but they should have an interior coating to avoid any off-flavours in the beans.  

Whichever type of container you choose, make sure it is large enough to accommodate all your beans without overcrowding them. 

Can I Store Different Types of Coffee Beans Together? 

Storing different types of coffee beans together can be a tricky decision, as it may ultimately affect the flavour of the coffee.  

 

While some aficionados claim that combining bean varieties can create a unique and complex taste, others suggest that this practice could overwhelm the individual nuances of each type of bean.  

 

So, it all depends on your personal preference. If you don’t mind mixing the flavours together, then you can store different beans together. If you want to keep the original taste, avoid this practice altogether. 

How Do I Know If My Coffee Beans Have Gone Bad? 

First, check the colour of the beans; they should be relatively consistent in colour and not have any discolorations or patches that appear different from the rest of the beans.  

 

Another sign of staleness is if the beans have lost their glossy sheen and appear dull or matte in texture.  

 

Additionally, fresh coffee beans usually have a strong aroma that fades as time passes, so if your beans don't have a noticeable fragrance then it could be a sign of staleness.  

 

You can also try breaking one open; if you notice any visible signs of mould or mildew on the inside then it's likely that the beans are stale.  

 

Finally, stale coffee beans will feel heavier than fresh ones due to excess moisture content, so weighing them is another way to determine their freshness. 

Now You Know How to Store Your Coffee Beans

Using the tips, strategies, and guidelines from this post will help ensure that your beans are stored correctly for a longer shelf life and full flavour retention.  

 

Keeping your coffee beans in an airtight container is a crucial step in preserving their freshness and maintaining their delicious flavour.  

 

Throwing an extra layer of protective covering on top can also help prevent spoiling or changes in flavour caused by volatile outside smells.  

 

Moreover, make sure to store them away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat such as stoves and microwaves.  

 

Lastly, don’t forget the golden rule in storing your coffee beans: experiment with different techniques and decide what works best for you. 

 

If you follow these tips, you should be able to get the most out of each bag and experience the ultimate cup of coffee available. Enjoy!