HOW TO STORE YOUR COFFEE FOR THE FRESHEST CUP OF JOE
Whether you’re a ground coffee specialist or a whole bean connoisseur, storing your coffee correctly will make all the difference to maintaining its flavor and freshness. For the freshest and most scrumptious cup of joe, we’ve put together this guide to help you store your coffee, so that whatever time of day you brew up, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of your favorite Chock full o’ Nuts®, Hills. Bros.® or MJB®!
WHOLE COFFEE BEANS VS. GROUND BEANS
Let’s begin with the two ways you can buy coffee – ground or whole bean. Ground coffee is the most convenient way to purchase, as it can go straight from the bag to your coffee maker. But keep in mind, the ground beans have been sitting in the packaging for a while before you even bring it home and consume it.
Whole bean coffee, on the other hand, may seem a little inconvenient in the short term, as you have to grind the coffee yourself with a suitable grinder or coffee mill, but the outcome is more rewarding. While many people genuinely like the ritual of starting the day by grinding their own coffee, using whole beans also means there’s no compromise on taste. The coffee beans are ground only moments before being brewed, which offers more flavor and freshness. You can also control the fineness of the grind to deliver the exact coffee strength you prefer.
HOW STORAGE AFFECTS THE FLAVOR OF COFFEE
Just as you would properly store other foods, correctly storing your coffee beans will make a big difference in its taste as well as maintain freshness. Factors such as the amount of moisture, light, air, and heat can contribute to your coffee losing its freshness and flavor profile.
If you’re a whole bean lover, then you’ll want to keep them as fresh as possible to retain the quality of flavor and freshness. With this in mind, storing your coffee beans whole is the best way to prevent oxidation, which is one way that coffee goes stale.
If you do find that your whole beans have become stale, don’t throw them out. There are lots of other uses for coffee around your home. Consider using them in your garden and spreading them as fertilizer for your roses and hydrangeas. Or add them to your compost pile. Coffee beans are also great additions to meat tenderizers and rub recipes.
WHERE TO STORE YOUR COFFEE BEANS
The packaging you buy your coffee beans in is not the most ideal when it comes to storing it at home. Instead, pour them into an opaque and airtight container. Avoid clear containers, as they can allow too much light to reach your coffee which can also alter its taste.
The best temperature to keep your beans fresh and ready for brewing is at room temperature. Place your coffee storage canister in a cool and dark place, but be sure to avoid storing near the oven as heat can also affect your coffee’s freshness, flavor and shelf life.
CAN I FREEZE COFFEE BEANS?
Freezing your coffee beans is not recommended. Believe it or not, freezing your coffee beans, or storing them in the fridge will actually make them mature faster, due to condensation pushing oils to the surface of the beans. This will diminish the taste and flavor of your beans, resulting in a not-so-fresh cup of joe.
Another reason to avoid freezing your coffee is because of the bean’s absorption. Their cell structures are porous, so they can easily absorb other fragrances, which isn’t ideal in a fridge. No one really wants to drink garlic-flavored coffee or sip on a cheese-scented cold brew.
THE FRESHEST BEANS
So, to summarize, the best way to look after your beloved coffee beans is to store them whole, in an airtight, dark container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Oh, and do not freeze!
Follow these simple storage solutions and every cup of coffee you brew at home will be brimming with flavor, so that you can enjoy the aroma and savor each delightful sip.
