How to Store Coffee

So you're wondering how to store coffee? The key to a good cup of coffee isn't just in the brewing process, but also in its storage. If your coffee isn't stored properly, it will lose a lot of its precious freshness and flavor.

How to store coffee

The most important things to keep your coffee away from when you’re storing it are:

• Air
• Moisture
• Heat
• Light

The best place to store your coffee is within an airtight container, somewhere cool, dark and dry. This could be a pantry or a cabinet, just as long as it’s somewhere away from heat and light. If you really want to store your coffee on your counter, keep the coffee in a canister that is opaque, airtight, and away from direct sunlight.

Can I freeze coffee?

A common misconception about storing coffee is that is good to put it in the freezer. Freezing your coffee puts it in contact with moisture which ends up draining it of its flavor. If you buy a large quantity of coffee that you will not use immediately, divide it into smaller portions and put it into an airtight container. Store the coffee in the freezer no longer than 1 month. Anything over a month and it will begin to deteriorate. Once the coffee has been removed from the freezer and opened, do not put it back in. The repeat of freezing and thawing will cause the coffee to start tasting like your freezer.

Up next: How to use a stovetop espresso maker