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or clip on your bag will at least keep out some of the unwanted air.

Keep Cool...But Not Too Cool

Whether you've chosen to store your beans or grounds in a canister or the less-desirable bag, you'll want to make sure the container itself is in a cool, dry place. Depending on your kitchen, that may mean a cupboard or a countertop away from the heat of the stove. What it doesn't mean is the refrigerator. Even if your mother, your grandmother, and your grandmother's barista tell you it keeps better there, it's the worst possible place to store beans. Moisture and condensation from the fridge virtually attack the bean's aromatic oils. Besides, do you really want your special Kona to taste and small like last week's Chinese takeout?

When to Freeze

Ideally, you want to keep your coffee beans out of the refrigerator or freezer, but there is one situation when the freezer is your friend. While it's best to purchase small amounts of coffee at a time to ensure freshness, sometimes you'll encounter an irresistable sale and end up with several pounds of java. If you end up with more coffee than you can reasonably use in a short time, store the excess in freezer bags (make sure there is no extra air), and be sure to use them within a few months. Once the beans are out of the freezer, keep them out.

Following these tips should make sure that every cup of coffee you drink tastes from-the-roaster fresh. The real challenge is buying fresh beans from the start. Give your beans a good sniff at the store. Do they smell earthy? If yes, take them home and store them well. If they smell dull, then make the best choice you can make for having fresh java: shop at a different store.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Kelly.
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