When it comes to storing your precious coffee in your pantry, you might be making the mistake of keeping it in the same packaging you bought it in. This is not ideal, as most types of packaging are not the best place to keep your coffee in.

Now, you might be wondering why that is. We’ll give you the reasons in the sections below. Additionally, we’ll give you the best types of storage and methods to ensure your coffee stays at its best for as long as possible.

While it is acceptable to keep coffee beans in their original packaging for short periods, there are four main reasons why you shouldn’t really do so for too long.

1. Air:
   Prolonged exposure to air encourages oxidation to take place within the beans. This negatively alters the composition of the bean, resulting in coffee that is less flavourful and aromatic.
2. Light:
   Too much light, whether from sunlight or artificial sources, can speed up the oxidation process.
3. Heat:
   Similarly, heat also accelerates the oxidation process but to a much greater extent.
4. Moisture:
   Lastly, moisture is another factor that negatively alters the quality of the beans. It encourages the growth of bacteria and mold that will slowly deteriorate the integrity of the coffee bean.

Because the coffee’s original packaging will not be able to effectively protect the contents from the aforementioned elements for very long, it’s important to transfer the beans to a different container for maximum freshness.

Considering what we learned above, the best way to keep your coffee tasting and smelling great is by keeping it in a dedicated container that protects the beans from the harmful elements above.

Opt for an opaque, moisture-repelling, airtight container, ideally with a one way degassing valve to allow CO2 to escape and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. However, do not place the container in the refrigerator or freezer as this can promote moisture build-up which you want to avoid altogether.

If you are fortunate enough to buy your coffee beans whole, avoid grinding them before you actually need them. Ground coffee beans are more prone to deterioration. Instead, grind only the amount that you expect you will be using within the next two hours—and no more than that.

Additionally, if you are roasting your own beans, do not transfer them to your chosen container right away. You need to wait for at least three whole days to pass before sealing them in an airtight container. This will allow the beans enough time to release the gasses that were brought on by the roasting process.

Keep the points we discussed in mind to ensure your coffee is as good as it can be. While you can’t control the situations the beans are exposed to before they reach you, you can do your part to better guarantee that they stay fresh.

If you’re looking for the best speciality coffee in the UK, browse our selection of speciality coffee with some of the finest coffee beans online. If you need storage advice, just get in -touch!