Coffee is porous and therefore absorbs odors and moisture easily.
Coffee produces oils during roasting that maintain the flavor of the coffee.
When you store your coffee, there are five basic elements you want to avoid.
- Moisture
- Light
- Heat
- Air
- Odors
Short-Term
For the freshest flavor, purchase your coffee in whole beans and grind it just before you serve.
Store your coffee in a cool, dry, dark place inside an airtight container to maintain freshness. A ceramic canister with a good seal placed inside your pantry is a great way to keep your coffee fresh.
Never store your coffee in the refrigerator, as it will mold quickly.
Long-Term Storage
Coffee can be stored in the freezer, but must be packaged very carefully to protect it from the moisture and odors.
- Your coffee can only be frozen once, so you want to separate the coffee in zip lock bags in two week batches, removing all the air possible.
- If the original packaging is in the right quantity, place the original bag inside a zip lock bag.
- For further protection, you can place this inside a paper bag, and then wrap it with plastic wrap.
As you need more coffee, just remove one of your batches and then follow short-term storage tips.