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Is Coffee Beans Fresh The Greatest Thing There Ever Was?
How to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh

As with a banana left on the counter for several days, coffee beans go bad. This is due to oxidation and the loss of volatile flavor compounds.

The good news is you can preserve your fresh flavors for some weeks by following a few simple guidelines. Your beans' worst enemies are moisture, air, and heat!

How to store coffee beans

It's not a secret that coffee beans deteriorate quickly. To enjoy the best flavor of your beans, it is essential to store them in a proper manner. Many people are unsure of how to go about this, though. Some people believe that they can simply put their beans in the fridge. This is not the most efficient method.

The key is storing your beans in an airtight and transparent container at room temperatures. This will shield the beans from their most formidable enemies such as moisture, air and heat. Moisture and air can both rob the beans their fresh roast flavor, and the moisture can make them less flavorful. The heat can also ruin the aroma and flavor of the beans. Light (especially sunlight) can also dull their natural shine.

It's not a great idea to keep coffee beans in your refrigerator. They may absorb the flavors and odors of other food items in the refrigerator, like onions and cheese that can adversely affect the taste of your coffee. They can also be exposed to cold air from the refrigerator to moisture and condensation.

Instead, consider storing your beans in the container they came in or in a resealable bag. Be sure to remove all the air prior to sealing the bag and keep it in a cool, dark location. This can also help the beans to last longer, however it is recommended to use them within 72 hours after roasting.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Fridge

A majority of people keep their beans in the refrigerator but this isn't a good idea. Coffee beans kept in the refrigerator absorb the smells of food and moisture which can adversely affect their flavor. The ideal place to store your coffee is the dark cabinet, with an airtight, opaque and airtight container.

A coffee bag with a one-way valve works perfectly in the fridge However, if your beans didn't come in this type of container, you'll need to move them to a sealed and opaque container such as a glass jar or the Coffee Gator canister mentioned above. The fridge might also be too cold for the coffee, which could alter the taste of the coffee.

The most common enemies of coffee beans are air, heat and moisture. To ensure freshness of the coffee beans, it is recommended to store your beans in an airtight and opaque (not transparent) container at room temperature. The best place to keep them is a cool, dark pantry, but an armoire or cabinet will also work. It is not recommended to keep coffee in the refrigerator. It will extend its shelf life, but you might want to try it. It can affect the flavors of your beverage and cause them to deteriorate quicker due to its cold temperature. Additionally, the moisture and food smells that are present in the fridge could cause damage to your beans.

Coffee beans are stored in the Pantry

When the seal on the packaging of your beans has broken, it's best to keep them in a dark place at ambient temperature and in an airtight container. This will keep the flavor, aroma and freshness of the coffee for a long time (depending on the amount of exposure to heat, oxygen and moisture). Storing your coffee beans in a cabinet next to an oven or kitchen counter where they get direct sunlight isn't the most ideal idea since these places could get very hot and accelerate the process of oxidation.

Moisture is a major factor because beans absorb moisture from the air. This can dilute their natural flavors. The heat can also accelerate the process of the process of oxidation since beans can destroy the molecular structure that creates their distinctive aromas. The heat also strips the bean of its natural oils and causes them to lose their flavor.

If you are able to keep your beans in a resealable one-way valve bag they came in, or in an airtight, opaque container that's similar and fresh, they should last for approximately a week. You can store them for longer in the fridge but be careful as they may suffer from freezer burn or absorb any odors of food in the fridge.

Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you're spending 20 dollars or more for bags of premium coffee beans, it is important to understand the best method to store the beans. organic coffee beans absorbs moisture, aromas and flavors which is why storing it in an opaque airtight container in a dark, cool location will help preserve the flavor. You can also freeze your beans, but be cautious if you do this, you should transfer them to an Ziploc bag prior to freezing to avoid freezing burn.

Although freezing isn't the best option but it is a good option when you're short on time or travel and wish to take a cup of your favorite coffee with you. Frozen coffee beans are not as fresh and have a weaker flavor than beans stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry.


It is recommended to use the beans as soon as is possible however, we do not always have the luxury of. If you store your coffee beans in a dark, cold location in an airtight, opaque container their shelf life can be extended by as much as 3 times. You might be amazed by how much better the coffee will taste when contrasted with beans that were rotten in the fridge or freezer.