Properly storing ground coffee is essential to maintaining freshness and flavor, but not all coffee storage methods are equal. Whether you're looking to store ground coffee from beans or a bag of pre-ground coffee, keep reading to find out how to store ground coffee to keep it at its freshest.
Why storing ground coffee properly matters
As soon as coffee beans are ground, they lose the essential oils and flavors that make a delicious cup of coffee. But by storing ground coffee adequately, you can extend its shelf life so that every cup is as close to fresh as possible.
How long does ground coffee last
If placed in the correct kind of container, ground coffee can last for up to two weeks. Once ground coffee has gone bad, you'll notice it has a bland taste and might smell off. As well as having less of an aroma, the color of the beans may also change.
how to store ground coffee after opening or grinding
Use an airtight container to keep your ground coffee as fresh as possible. The best ones have silicon rims or vacuum-sealing lids. Vacuum sealing your coffee grounds will keep out the air and preserve the flavor for longer. The best container materials are stainless steel or glass, but make sure to find opaque glass jars to prevent light from affecting the grounds.
Once you've got a suitable container, you must store your ground coffee in a cool, dark place. Light and heat will degrade the coffee, causing it to go stale quicker, so store it away from direct sunlight or appliances that produce a lot of heat. It's best to keep the coffee grounds in a stable environment where the temperature doesn't fluctuate much. An increase in heat can create condensation and stale grounds. A pantry shelf or cupboard is the ideal location.
Should coffee be kept in the refrigerator?
Although logic would suggest that coffee should be stored in the fridge to keep it fresh, this is not the case. Avoid keeping your coffee grounds in the refrigerator, as condensation can easily enter the container. Moisture from condensation will ruin fresh coffee with mold, and grinds will become musty quickly. Even if the grounds don't go moldy, refrigerating them will degrade the taste and richness of the beans.
Should coffee be stored in the freezer?
Coffee can be stored in the freezer as long as it's vacuum-packed. As with standard pantry storage, coffee grounds should be placed in a container or bag that will keep out odors that will permeate the grounds, affecting the flavor of the coffee once brewed. Split your grounds into smaller portions before freezing them, so you only take out a small amount at a time to brew, keeping the coffee as fresh as possible. Over time, frozen coffee grounds will lose their taste, so use the coffee within 3-4 months.
Learn how to portion instead of how to store ground coffee
While keeping ground coffee ready is extremely convenient for that morning cup of go-juice, it's better to portion out your beans before grinding to avoid waste and get the tastiest brew possible. Each coffee-making method has its requirements, but for the majority, including drip, French press, and pour-over, you need 1.5-3 tablespoons of coffee beans to make a 6oz cup. For espresso, it's around 0.75 to 1.5 tablespoons. These quantities will give you the perfect amount of coffee grounds to make a single cup. If you're using the STARESSO Discovery II Grinder, it can grind the ideal 20oz amount. That's just enough for a brew!
Benefits of grinding coffee before you brew it
As soon as it's open, coffee beans lose their potency. Once ground, they need to be either appropriately stored or brewed pretty much straight away to get the best flavor. Other factors, such as your grinder type, grind consistency, and how much heat is produced while grinding impact taste. Make sure you start your journey with the best grinder for your beans. For a consistently precise electric burr grinder that's ideal for both home and travel, try the STARESSO Discovery II Grinder.
Maintaining your coffee storage
To keep your coffee ground storage containers in tip-top shape, clean them regularly, making sure they are completely dry before adding fresh coffee grounds. Cleaning your jars will help reduce oil build-up and get rid of any stale smells. Also, make sure to clean your coffee grinder to keep the grind consistent and of high quality.
Ground coffee shelf life
Here's a quick summary of how long you can store coffee grounds in the fridge, freezer, and on the shelf.
| Unopened | Opened | |
| Room Temp | 3-5 months | 1-2 weeks |
| Fridge | Not recommended | 1-2 weeks (but not recommended) |
| Freezer | 1-2 years | 3-4 months |
While you can store coffee grounds for up to 2 weeks and still get a decent brew, grinding fresh every time is the key to the perfect cup of joe. Try an electric burr grinder, like STARESSO Discovery Grinder II, for convenient and quick coffee bean grinding.
Frequently asked questions about how to store ground coffee
How long will ground coffee stay fresh?
If stored properly in a cool, dark pantry, an unopened bag of ground coffee should stay fresh for 3-5 months. Coffee grounds that are open or ground from beans can last up to 2 weeks in a vacuum-sealed canister. Alternatively, you can freeze grounds for several months to keep them fresh.
How long can you keep coffee in the fridge?
While storing coffee in a refrigerator isn't ideal, it lasts 1-2 weeks. Be aware that coffee grounds kept in the fridge can absorb odors from other foods.
