Coffee Freshness And Storage: Everything You Need To Know

Coffee freshness and storage is often the unspoken about secret to the quality of coffee. Once coffee beans are roasted, oxidation occurs, and from here coffee flavour begins to deteriorate. Hence, preserving coffee flavour and freshness is vital. This is why proper storage and understanding of how to keep coffee fresh will determine the satiety you get from your daily cup. To make the most out your coffee, here are the best practices for long-term storage and the top coffee storing tips.

This is the most asked question, but like most things in life; there is not not a one size fits all answer. Depending on the coffee type, from storing ground coffee vs whole bean coffee, the answer to how long it lasts will vary.

Whole bean coffee is basically fresh roasted coffee before any grinding or other processes. When stored correctly, they will keep peak flavour for 3-4 weeks.

Degassing of fresh roasted beans, involves letting roasted coffee rest for a few days so gas build-up can be released into the air rather than your cup. Hence, whole beans may be left for a couple of days before usage to get even extraction and the best out of roasted coffee beans.

The best way to store coffee beans is in an airtight, opaque container. Avoid exposure to light, oxygen and moisture to avoid any coffee spoilage.

These have already gone through the grinding process and as a result have a larger surface area speeding up the oxidisation process. It is best to grind coffee beans directly before usage for the highest level of preserving of flavour, however they can be optimal for 1-2 weeks.

To store effectively, ground coffee should be kept in an airtight sealed container to prevent air exposure as air quickens oxidation and thus loss of flavour.

Top tip: If storing in bulk, try portioning into smaller containers to minimise exposure to air on every opening of the container.

Additionally keep it away from heat and sunlight sources, so find a cool and dark area. For ground coffee storage, avoid the fridge as it can lead to moisture which spoils the coffee grounds.

Top tip: Check the roast date to ensure you get the freshest coffee.

When unopened and stored in cool, dry conditions instant coffee can last up to 20 years. On instant coffee packaging the shelf-life date or best by date, shows how long flavour is kept at optimal levels, but can often be consumed after this.

If opened instant coffee generally lasts between 1-2 years. Once opened, use an airtight coffee container and ensure it is away from moisture, heat and light.

• Airtight containers – Glass, ceramic, or non-reactive metal containers with a tight seal are best.
• Avoid refrigeration and freezing – The freezer vs pantry storage debate is officially over! Refrigerating or freezing can lead to moisture exposure, which can spoil the coffee. If you must freeze coffee use one that is unopened and vacuum sealed.
• Cool and dry area – Keep away from moisture, heat, and light to avoid degrading the coffee, which would leave a bitter and spoiled taste.
• Humidity and coffee – Ensure it is kept in room temperature storage and in a place with even humidity levels.
• Long-term storage – To keep coffee fresh for long-term usage use vacuum-sealed bags or a container that inhibits the entrance of oxygen.

1. Visible mould on coffee – Discolouration or blurred looking areas on your coffee is a sign of clear mould.
2. Colour – If changed to a duller or faded colour, the coffee has lost freshness.
3. Aroma – Coffee should pack a vibrant aroma so if there is a lack of this or a slight odorous smell, then it is stale.
4. Texture – If excessively oily or overly dry and crumbly, the coffee is likely to be stale.
5. Taste – The taste of stale coffee is often flat or overly bitter. Additionally, if the brew is lacking flavour or tastes off its most likely stale.

Enjoy fresher coffee every time, with these coffee freshness and storage tips and tricks. No need to deal with the bitter and flat tasting stale coffee anymore. Simply use this to ensure you store coffee beans and grounds correctly to get the best flavour and aromas from your much needed coffee break.