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How To Store Coffee and Keep it Fresh

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee starts with choosing the right coffee beans, the right grind and the right method of brewing, but even if all these things are perfect, the coffee won't be any good if it has not been properly stored. That said, let's look at the proper way to store coffee, so that every cup you make is the absolute best cup of coffee it can be and is as fresh and aromatic as the first cup.

Airtight Containers

Whether you are storing whole coffee beans, ground beans, or even instant coffee, the only way to ensure freshness if by sealing unused portions of coffee grounds or beans in a completely air-tight container.

Storing Coffee Bricks

A brick of coffee is ground coffee that is purchased sealed in a metallic air-tight 'brick' shape. The air is sucked out of the coffee brick using a vacuum suction, and then the bag is sealed airtight. If you purchase coffee bricks, the coffee inside is safe from air exposure and the brick is airtight until you open it.

Once opened, the air will rush into the now-softened bag of coffee. Whatever portion of the coffee is unused should be stored in a container that is airtight, such as a Tupperware bowl.

Storing Coffee Cans with Lids

When purchasing coffee in the old-style coffee cans, the airtight seal on the can is broken when you pull the foil lid off or when you puncture the can with the can opener. Even though coffee cans come with plastic lids, these lids are not airtight lids or containers. Replacing the coffee in an airtight container will extend its freshness.

Storing Coffee in Plastic Jugs

The new larger plastic jugs of ground coffee often come in airtight jugs. Check the label to determine whether the container the coffee comes in is airtight or not. If so, simply be sure to put the lid back on the coffee jug after use.

Alternatives to Storing Coffee in Airtight Bowls

Coffee, both whole bean and ground, can also be stored in sealable storage bags, like Ziploc bags or freezer bags. Be sure to press out the excess air before storing.

Storing Coffee in the Freezer

For ground coffee, if you cannot use it all within 2-3 weeks, place the coffee in an airtight container and store in the freezer. Ground coffee stored airtight in the freezer can keep fresh without becoming too acidic for about three months.

For whole bean coffee, again, store in an airtight container. If you cannot use whole bean coffee within a month or so, place the airtight container with the whole beans in the freezer, and they should keep, unground, for about three or four months without becoming bitter or too acidic.

Whole Bean Vs. Ground Coffee Storage

If you do not plan on drinking the coffee quickly or you purchase more than can be consumed in a short period of time, buying whole bean coffee is the best bet, because, in an airtight container, whole bean coffee can be stored for longer and still retain its robust flavor and rich aroma for which coffee is best known.

Grinding whole bean coffee is easy, and any blender can do a fine job of making ground coffee for using in any automatic drip, percolator, or brewing coffee machine. Following this advice, your coffee, whatever kind you choose to purchase, will stay fresh and satisfying.

Learn more about this author, Michelle L Devon.
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