Nothing beats the taste and aroma of freshly brewed coffee. But did you know that how you store your coffee beans can dramatically affect their flavour? If you are new to grinding your own coffee, its important to understand that incorrect storage can lead to stale, flat-tasting coffee, while good storage practices will keep your coffee fresher for longer. Let’s dive into why it’s so important and how you can preserve your coffee’s unique flavours.
Why Correct Storage Matters
Coffee beans are highly sensitive to external elements. Once roasted, they begin to lose freshness and flavour due to exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light. These factors can cause oxidation, which dulls the vibrant flavours and aromas that make each cup special.
- Air: Oxygen is the biggest enemy of fresh coffee. Exposure accelerates oxidation, leading to stale coffee.
- Moisture: Coffee beans are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. This can really impact the texture and flavour.
- Heat: Excess heat can degrade the beans’ essential oils, causing a loss of aroma and flavour.
- Light: UV rays can break down the delicate compounds in coffee, leaving you with a lackluster brew.
Top Tips for Storing Coffee Beans
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Use an airtight container
Invest in a high-quality airtight container with an opaque design to protect your coffee beans from air and light. Vacuum-sealed containers are even better, as they remove excess air. -
Store in a cool, dark place
Keep your coffee in a cupboard away from heat sources like the oven, stove, or direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature (around 20°C/68°F). -
Buy in small batches
For the freshest coffee experience, buy your beans in smaller quantities that you can consume within 2–4 weeks. This ensures you’re always brewing with fresh beans. Most of our coffee beans are sold in 250g batches, with free delivery available when meeting the requirements.
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Grind just before brewing
Whole beans stay fresher for longer than pre-ground coffee. Grind only what you need for each brew to lock in the best flavours.
The Benefits of Storing Coffee Correctly
- Preserved flavour and aroma: Correct storage keeps the original tasting notes of your coffee intact, allowing you to enjoy its full complexity.
- Better brewing experience: Fresh coffee beans produce a more vibrant cup with a rich crema and aromatic scent.
- Reduced waste: Storing your beans well means less spoilage and fewer disappointing brews.
You want to savour every cup with the best flavours possible, so keep your coffee beans fresh by protecting them from air, moisture, heat, and light. Always grind just before brewing to unlock the best flavours. With a few simple changes, you’ll enjoy richer, fresher coffee every time.
Our Commitment to Quality Coffee
At Grounded93, we source sustainably grown coffee from unique and ethical brands, ensuring every cup is as fresh and flavourful as possible. Storing your coffee beans correctly will help you get the most out of our coffees and will allow you to enjoy the rich flavours they were grown to deliver.