Basic coffee storage

Fresh coffee begins losing flavor within approximately one to two weeks in the open air at room temperature. Storing in a sealed air-tight one-way valve bag will increase the room temperature shelf life of the coffee for up to two months or more. It is best to purchase only the amount of beans that will remain fresh in the time it takes you to consume them. Using freshly roasted beans freshly ground just before brewing is the best way to ensure the most flavorful cup of coffee possible. See our brewing section for more on this.

If you can’t drink all the coffee you buy within the times explained above, store your whole beans in the freezer. Storage in the refrigerator will subject the beans to excess moisture and cause them to oxidize and age prematurely. Also, refrigerator storage is likely to impart off-flavors to the coffee beans from neighboring food products.

Allow beans stored in the freezer to reach room temperature before opening the sealed container. This will avoid water condensation on the beans. Coffee coming in and out of the freezer will cause condensation to collect and freeze over and over, harming the beans. If possible, store whole beans in small air-tight containers in the quantity you will grind at one time.

Enjoy good coffee!