FoodProper coffee storage: Experts share crucial tips to retain coffee's unique taste and aroma

Proper coffee storage: Experts share crucial tips to retain coffee's unique taste and aroma

Coffee will lose its aroma. Just a simple mistake is enough.
Coffee will lose its aroma. Just a simple mistake is enough.
Images source: © Canva | bacho nadiradze

10:34 AM EST, February 6, 2024, updated: 4:11 AM EST, March 7, 2024

While the majority of people enjoy coffee regularly, and many can't envision not having this beverage on hand at home, our understanding of it is typically limited to just basic facts and rarely extends beyond that. Thus, we often make various mistakes in this domain. These are not just about adding unhealthy extras to coffee but also about incorrect beans storage.

Expert advice on coffee storage

The journalists from huffpost.com, keen to get a better grasp on proper coffee storage, decided to seek the advice of experts. Who else, if not the experts, could provide in-depth insights on this subject? One of the industry professionals they turned to was Maryna Gray, a coffee expert at Bean Box. Her statement was straightforward:

Like any other pantry staple, coffee beans stagnate and lose flavor over time, but if they are stored in the original packaging and under appropriate conditions, you can enjoy coffee for several weeks post its roasting.

The expert specified that the coffee container should be stored in a cool and dark place without exposure to air and light. Parallelly, Caroline Bell, Founder of Cafe Grumpy, stated that even though special coffee storage containers exist, it's perfectly fine to use regular packaging - provided it's kept clean, otherwise, coffee beans can absorb undesirable odors.

Barista champion’s view on coffee storage

The journalists from huffpost.com also sought the opinion of Laila Ghambari, a coffee consultant, and former barista champion in the USA. She emphasized that the moment you open the bag of coffee beans, the oxidation "countdown begins", and our primary goal should be to prohibit the coffee from being exposed to oxygen.

It's worth highlighting that coffee beans possess a natural defense against oxidation. However, ground coffee does not have this attribute. This product, particularly, needs to be carefully monitored to ensure its freshness, otherwise, the coffee will not retain its original characteristics.

Coffee quickly absorbs the smells of what surrounds it.
Coffee quickly absorbs the smells of what surrounds it.© Canva | Mariakray
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