The secret to an excellent cup of coffee is freshly ground beans. But for many people, grinding coffee beans every morning isn’t a feasible option, given their hectic schedules. Pre-ground coffee is a convenient alternative to get your morning caffeine fix ready in minutes, but it doesn’t always taste as good. The reason? You might not be storing your coffee right.
You can freeze coffee grounds for up to two years, but be sure to use an airtight container, which will keep the coffee fresh for longer. Low quality coffee can be stored in the freezer for longevity. Higher quality coffee should be stored as beans, pre-ground, but also in something vapor-sealed.
For those who can’t function properly without first drinking their morning cup of coffee, the freshness of the brew is very important. Let’s look at the best way to store your coffee grounds and how should you freeze them in order to keep them as fresh as possible.
Does Storing Coffee Grounds in the Freezer Keep Them Fresh?
Coffee grounds in an airtight container, like a package of Folgers (example on Amazon), kept in the freezer can retain their freshness for up to two years, as long as they’re vacuum-sealed. In case they aren’t vacuum-sealed, they will last for about six months.
Vacuum-sealed coffee grounds kept in a pantry can also retain their freshness for up to six months. However, if they aren’t vacuum-sealed, their shelf life will decrease to about a month.
The best practice is to freeze coffee that you aren’t going to be using in the near future. Freezing the coffee that you use on a regular basis, however, will make it taste like cardboard, as the constant change in temperature will create moisture in the packet.
Pantry vs. Freezer: Which Is Best?
The best way to store coffee beans or grounds is to keep them in an opaque, airtight container and place the container on a pantry shelf away from heat, moisture, and light.
In case you don’t have an airtight container, close the coffee bag with a rubber band and put it in a resealable bag. You can also use specialized coffee pouches (on Amazon).
Keeping the coffee in the freezer changes its cell structure, causing the coffee to lose its flavor and aroma.
You can freeze coffee beans that you aren’t going to be using for a month by dividing them into smaller portions. Freeze these portions in airtight bags.
When you need to use these coffee beans, remove them from the freezer and leave them outside to thaw. Grind and brew these beans within two weeks to ensure a cup of coffee that’s fresh and invigorating.
How to Store Coffee Grounds in the Pantry
If you want your coffee to be fresh, then be sure to keep it in an opaque container away from any storage spots that are exposed to moisture. This means avoiding the shelf above your stove and the refrigerator.
Store your coffee grounds in a cool, dry place like the back of the pantry. Choose a dark spot for your coffee, as light and heat can also affect its freshness.
How to Store Coffee Grounds in the Freezer
If you find it inconvenient to grind your coffee beans every morning, you can simply pre-grind them and store them in the freezer. Although you can use an airtight container to store these coffee grounds, it’s best to keep them vacuum-sealed to lock out the odors and moisture.
Tips for Keeping Your Coffee Fresh
Once you open the original packing of a coffee bag, it starts to lose its freshness pretty quickly. Here are some tips that will help you keep your coffee fresh for longer:
Grind as You Brew!
Grind a small quantity of coffee beans over the weekend and then store it in the freezer to be used during the week. This will prevent your coffee grounds from going stale.
Store Properly
The best container for your coffee is an airtight container like this one from Veken (on Amazon). Make sure that it has a sturdy construction and won’t transfer any odors or flavors to the coffee grounds. Metal, ceramic, or glass containers are ideal for this purpose.
Don’t Stock Up
Avoid buying coffee in bulk, if possible. Finishing your coffee grounds within a couple of weeks will ensure their freshness. Coffee grounds kept over a longer period of time tend to lose their flavor.
Rather than storing it up for months, purchase a small packet of your favorite beans every couple of weeks, as this will keep it from going stale.
Buy Local!
You need to buy fresh grounds to make sure that your coffee stays fresh. Instead of shopping at the grocery store where it’s possible for products to be on the shelf for months, it’s best to buy from a local coffee roaster.