Great coffee storage options are airtight, metal, glass, or ceramic containers. The metal tins have a double lid, for maximum freshness retention and an airtight seal. Just like with tea storage, coffee storage is full of bad practices and misconceptions. Here are some facts about the proper storage of ground coffee and coffee beans for maximum flavor and freshness. Books on coffee can teach you how to serve coffee, but if you’re serving a substandard product, then all the serving skills in the world won’t matter.

The four things to avoid when storing coffee are light, heat, humidity, and air. Here are some tips for storing coffee:

• Dry, cool, and dark places (such as a cabinet or pantry) are ideal for storing coffee.
• Avoid humid places like freezers or refrigerators.
• Avoid hot places such as on the stove or in cabinets that are exposed to direct sunlight.
• Airtight, opaque containers are ideal for storage when kept on a countertop that is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
• Once the original packaging of a product has been opened, the coffee will lose freshness quickly.

Container types

• The ideal containers for coffee storage are those made of non-reactive metal, ceramic or glass; and have tight joints.
• Coffee should only be stored fresh in clear glass or plastic containers if stored in cool, dark places.
• For countertop storage, use opaque, airtight containers.

long term freshness

• Coffee reaches its peak freshness immediately after roasting and begins to lose freshness after that.
• Ground coffee must be consumed within 10 days of roasting.
• Whole beans must be used within 30 days of roasting.
• Only buy coffee for a short period at a time, rather than buying a large quantity and allowing it to lose freshness during storage.
• If you buy in bulk, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark area. Keep a smaller serving for daily use. Only open your larger container when you are filling your smaller one. Limiting exposure to air is important to maintain freshness.

Freshness difference between whole beans and ground coffee

• Ground coffee spoils much faster than whole beans, mainly because it has a much larger surface area.

whole green beans

• Many high-end coffee retailers carry numerous varieties of green whole coffee beans. Green coffee beans are easier to store and last much longer than roasted beans. Properly stored green varieties can last a year or more.
• Green beans can be roasted at home, providing the freshest in green coffee.
• After roasting the green beans, place them in an airtight container or sealed valve bag and open once a day for the first week. Immediately after roasting, your beans will emit a large amount of carbon dioxide, and by periodically opening your storage container, they will slowly release it.

frozen coffee

• Freezing is generally not recommended to maintain the freshness of the coffee. It causes the oil to break down, and if the seal isn’t completely airtight, the coffee will taste like other items that were in the freezer.
• If you must freeze your coffee, you can use heat-seal bags or airtight aluminum foil to store your coffee in the freezer for up to 30 days.
• Never return bags or packets of coffee to the freezer once opened. Repeated defrosting will result in tasteless coffee, and what it tastes like is from the inside of your freezer.

None of this qualifies as barista training, nor is it a comprehensive resource on how to store coffee. However, using these tips will ensure that you are serving the best tasting coffee possible.