Should I store my coffee beans in the fridge?

by bill liss
(atlanta)


QUESTION:

I normally store coffee in ziplock bags in the fridge. Does that destroy the beans over time? Or is it okay? If not, what is the very best way to store good beans to keep them fresh and keep the quality? Thank you

ANSWER:

You're right to seal your coffee in a ziplock bag, although any airtight container will suffice.

As for the fridge, that's not the best place. If you want to store coffee for a few weeks or more, you're better off putting them in the freezer section. Just make sure the container is absolutely airtight.

But the whole question of storing coffee long-term raises another question. Why store it anyway? Why not buy just enough to last for a few days, and then buy some more, fresh-roasted beans?

Even if you live out of town, you can order from online coffee stores and get beans that have been roasted that very day.

Coffee beans, once roasted, start losing the subtleties of their flavors very quickly.

There may be a cost advantage to buying in bulk, but you'll lose some of the flavor if you store the beans for too long.

Comments for Should I store my coffee beans in the fridge?

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Apr 04, 2020
 "Why store it anyway?"
by: kokotron

Because 2020 :)
Jul 20, 2017
 Living on a different planet.
by: Anonymous

Would that we could all afford smaller quantities of beans that have been roasted that very day - most of us have to live in the real world!
Sep 28, 2015
 What the roasters say...
by: Anonymous

I've always stored my coffee in the freezer until recently when I read on several bags of coffees from different roasters to NOT store in the fridge or freezer. Hope that helps.
Jun 15, 2014
 Never in the fridge or freezer!!!
by: nteriors

It is important not to refrigerate or freeze your daily supply of coffee because contact with moisture will cause it to deteriorate. Instead, store coffee in air-tight glass or ceramic containers and keep it in a convenient, but dark and cool, location.
Jul 13, 2013
 Change of Heart
by: Anonymous

I have always kept my coffee in the ref. Extra, in the freezer. But I have changed my thinking. Using a Keurig I fine that cold storage puts moisture in the coffee therefore it does not go thru the machine as well especially the decaf. Maybe because it is ground finer. So counter storage is the way I am doing it now in a sealed jar... Enjoy!
Jan 29, 2011
 storing my coffee stash
by: beanseeker

I've been reading the back and forth about bean storage. I 've just ordered 4 lbs of beans at once to save shipping cost. This is about a 2 month supply for me. I'm about to go put each bag in a freezer zip lock and leave them out on the counter. Does this sound like the right strategy for freshness and taste?

Editor's Note: I would double-pack them in the ziplock bags, and then store them in the freezer.
Nov 16, 2010
 Don't put it in the fridge/freezer
by: Anonymous

Do not store coffee in your fridge or freezer. As long as the container has an airtight seal, you won't gain any extension of freshness by keeping it cold. In fact, freezing damages the oils in the bean.
Aug 29, 2008
 coffee storage
by: Anonymous

I am a coffee drinker, but not a fancy one. Yet, I was wonder how I should store my ground coffee (I know whole coffee beans are better, but let's stay with ground coffee please). For years, I have bought the store brand ground coffee and have kept the coffee in its original container in the refrigerator. However, I have been told that it is not good to put coffee in the frig. It usually takes me 2 or more weeks to use all of the coffee. Should I take the coffee out of the frig and store it in an air tight container (room temp)? As stated before, I am not a gourmet coffee drinker, but still enjoy a fresh cup every day!

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