How to store fresh coffee grounds? Whether you grind coffee beans yourself, or purchase ground coffee, make sure to store those fresh coffee grounds properly. You will extend their fragrance and aroma, thus brewing more delicious and aromatic coffee. How? Let’s find out!


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How should I store fresh coffee grounds? Is there a way to keep coffee fresh through proper storage?

Owly Choice reader Kaitlyn

We appreciate Kaitlyn’s question. In a previous article, we covered some ways to dry and store used coffee grounds.

However, in today’s article, we will cover how to store fresh coffee grounds.

Why would you even care about that? By properly keeping coffee grounds, you will be able to preserve their freshness, aroma and flavor for as long as possible. This will ultimately impact your cup of coffee. You always want your coffee to be fresh and delicious.

Here’s what we will cover today:

  • PROs and CONs of storing fresh coffee grounds
  • How to store fresh coffee grounds, and
  • 3 PRO tips for storing & keeping coffee grounds fresh

Storing fresh coffee grounds

PROs

  • Buying coffee in bulk saves money
  • Allows for more coffee variety every day
  • Coffee can last longer
  • No frequent shopping trips

CONs

  • Needs proper storage to preserve freshness
  • Requires space

What negatively impacts coffee grounds & beans

There are 4 elements that can negatively impact coffee grounds:

  • Moisture
  • Air
  • Heat
  • Light

Therefore, to preserve coffee grounds’ and beans’ freshness and flavor, we need to store them in a space that’s dry, air-tight and dark at room temperature. The best locations to keep and store fresh coffee grounds and beans are pantries, cupboards, drawers and cabinets, which have limited to no access to light on a regular basis.

4 easy ways to store fresh coffee grounds and beans

1. Ceramic or non-reactive metal containers with an airtight gasket

Ceramic or metal containers are probably some of the best choices out there.

Since they are not transparent, the environment inside remains dark at all times. Because of that, we can keep the containers with coffee on the counter, but away from the sources of heat (such as ovens, kettles or microwaves).

Furthermore, airtight gaskets do not allow entry of fresh air, unless it is opened.

If you go ahead with this option, we recommend smaller containers, so you minimize the exposure of fresh coffee grounds or beans to oxygen when opening for each serving.

2. Clear glass or plastic containers with air-tight gaskets, but stored in cool & dark places

We love glass containers because they are easy, convenient and accessible.

We love plastic less, because plastic can be made with a variety of materials, such as BPA, BPS, and other potentially toxic substances.

Regardless of whether you decide on a glass or plastic container, ensure that fresh coffee grounds and beans are stored in a dark and cool place. Typically, a pantry, cupboard, a cabinet or a drawer would be the best choices.

When you brew coffee, try to limit the exposure of coffee grounds or coffee beans to air and light.

3. Vacuum-sealed bags

Vacuum sealed bags are probably one of the best ways how you can store fresh coffee grounds and fresh coffee beans.

If you would like to proceed with this option, you will likely need a simple vacuum sealer with bags.

If you decide to proceed with this option, ensure that each bag contains enough coffee for 2-3 brewings. We do not recommend more, as you want to keep your grounds and beans fresh at all times.

4. Ziplock bags

We thought of including ziplock bags as an alternative. Make sure to squeeze air out before you lock the bag.

Because ziplock bags are transparent, we suggest that you should store ziplock bags with fresh coffee grounds or beans in a dark and cool place.

PRO tips on keeping and storing fresh coffee grounds

  • Buy coffee beans instead of coffee grounds. Coffee beans preserve freshness and aroma better and longer than coffee grounds. Whenever you are ready to brew, you can grind coffee beans in an expensive but quality coffee grinder for a cup of enjoyable coffee.
  • Purchase coffee beans that will be sufficient to cover 1 to 2 weeks of brewing. Because coffee begins losing its freshness nearly immediately after roasting, you want to minimize the loss of good quality.
  • Divide your coffee supply into smaller portions for 2-3 brewings. Keep the larger, unused quantity in an air-sealed container.

Owly’s conclusion

I initially thought that storing fresh coffee grounds properly can be difficult or cumbersome. Therefore, I did not pay much attention to how to store coffee grounds or coffee beans.

However, my coffee continued to lack depth. I believed the problem was coffee beans, so I started to experiment with more expensive and higher-quality beans.

Soon, I realized how much I was missing by keeping coffee beans exposed to direct light and in permeable bags.

With the 4 was how to store fresh coffee grounds and beans, I am ensuring that each cup of coffee is enjoyable, delicious and aromatic.

What do you think?

Do you store fresh coffee grounds or coffee beans? How do you store fresh coffee grounds or coffee beans? What tips would you like to share on storing and keeping fresh coffee grounds and beans?

Let us know in the comments!

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