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Best Practices For Storing Roasted Coffee

When you choose to purchase high-quality gourmet coffee, you definitely want to make sure you are going the extra mile and storing it in the best possible way.

At Poverty Bay Coffee Co., all the coffee we roast is packaged in state-of-the-art bags equipped with a one-way air valve, ensuring that once the bag is sealed, no oxygen can enter. This preserves the fresh flavor of the coffee until you open the bags. After the bag is opened, you are advised to follow the best practices described below.

Storing roasted coffee properly is essential to preserving its flavor, aroma, and freshness. Coffee is delicate: once roasted, it begins to degrade due to exposure to oxygen, light, moisture, and temperature changes. Here’s a knowledgeable breakdown of best practices:

1. Keep Coffee Away from Air (Oxygen)

Oxidation is coffee’s biggest enemy after roasting. Exposure to air causes staling, muting its vibrant notes.

  1. Use airtight containers with one-way valves (these allow carbon dioxide to escape without letting oxygen in).

  2. If you’re buying in bulk, portion coffee into smaller containers and only open what you’ll use within a week.

2. Protect from Light

Direct sunlight or fluorescent light accelerates degradation.

  1. Store coffee in opaque containers rather than clear jars.

  2. A dark cupboard or pantry is preferable to a countertop or window shelf.

3. Control Moisture

Roasted beans are hygroscopic—they absorb moisture and odors.

  1. Keep them away from humid environments (like above a dishwasher or near a sink).

  2. Never store coffee in the refrigerator in its daily-use container: condensation forms each time you take it out.

4. Avoid Temperature Swin

Heat speeds up chemical breakdown, and fluctuating temperatures create condensation.

  1. Store coffee in a cool, consistent environment (60–75°F is ideal).

  2. Freezing is acceptable if done correctly: freeze beans in airtight, portioned bags and only thaw what you’ll grind soon.

5. Whole Beans vs. Ground Coffee

  1. Whole beans retain freshness far longer than pre-ground coffee because less surface area is exposed to oxygen.

  2. Grind just before brewing for the best flavor. If you must store ground coffee, use small, sealed containers and consume it quickly.

6. Recommended Storage Solutions

  1. Vacuum-sealed canisters (like Fellow Atmos or Airscape) actively remove air.

  2. Mason jars with one-way valves can work for budget-friendly storage.

  3. For large quantities, use resealable foil bags with degassing valves.

Quick Takeaway: Keep roasted coffee in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature, away from light, moisture, and heat. Freeze only if you have more than you can drink within 2–3 weeks. When possible, grind just before brewing.

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