How to Store Your Coffee Like a Pro and Keep It Fresh

A good cup of coffee starts long before brewing. The way you store your beans or ground coffee directly affects the taste in the cup. Fortunately, a few simple habits are enough to preserve aromas for longer.

The 4 enemies of coffee

Coffee is sensitive to:

Oxygen – it oxidizes aromas and “ages” the coffee.

Light – especially direct sunlight.

Heat – accelerates aging.

Humidity – can make the grind clump together and, in the worst case, cause mold.

Your goal: protect your coffee from these four elements.

The best containers for your coffee

The original bag from a good roaster, with a one-way valve and airtight seal, is already a good start. To go further:

Use an opaque, airtight container.

Avoid transparent glass jars exposed to light.

Do not leave an open bag in the air.

If you buy large quantities, divide them into smaller containers that you open gradually.

Where should you store coffee at home?

The ideal location is:

Cool: away from the oven and stovetop.

Dry: not above the dishwasher or sink.

Protected from light: in a cupboard or drawer.

Despite its name, the refrigerator is not recommended for daily use: temperature changes can create condensation.

Should you freeze coffee?

Freezing can be useful if you buy a lot of coffee:

Divide beans into small airtight bags.

Use vacuum bags or tightly sealed containers.

Let them return to room temperature before opening.

For daily use, storing coffee in a cool, dry cupboard is enough.

How long does coffee stay fresh?

Whole beans: ideally between 4 and 6 weeks after roasting.

Ground coffee: rather within 2 to 3 weeks.

Capsules: longer shelf life thanks to packaging, check the best-before date.

Coffee does not “spoil” like milk, but it gradually loses complexity.

Final note

Storing coffee properly respects the work of the roaster and producers. Choose your 8grams beans, ground coffee or capsules, protect them from light, heat, air and humidity, and enjoy a cup full of flavour every day.