Tracy Norris
If the beloved cup of filter coffee or the creamy cappuccino in the morning is to taste full-bodied and harmonious, the storage of the coffee beans or the coffee powder is also crucial. We explain how to best store coffee and reveal why the refrigerator is not the right place for ground coffee.
Coffee is the favorite drink of the Germans. Accordingly, we deal with the choice of beans, their origin, and with the preparation of filter coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or iced coffee. But we tend to forget one important point – namely the storage of the coffee beans or the already ground coffee powder. Anyone who observes a few points here will be rewarded with even more coffee enjoyment in the future.
Storing coffee: This is how coffee stays fresh for a long time
Coffee beans and powder are extremely sensitive foods, exposure to oxygen, moisture, heat and light is not good for them. The finely aromatic oils in the coffee beans begin to oxidize at room temperature, they become rancid and the coffee no longer tastes good. Therefore, the most important tip for storing coffee is: it is best not to store coffee powder at all – use it up quickly. The fresher the coffee, the better it tastes.
The fact is: Fresh coffee loses its aroma over time. The quality and flavor begin to deteriorate the moment the powder or beans come into contact with oxygen when the package is opened.
It is best to store coffee (beans and powder) closed in a dark, cool, and dry place. Never leave the pack open – the aroma will escape faster than you can brew coffee.
Pack your coffee in a tight-fitting coffee can – preferably with the packaging. Because even when decanting, the entire powder would come into contact with light and oxygen and lose its aroma.
If you own a coffee grinder, it’s better to buy whole beans rather than ground coffee – this makes the coffee easier to store. It is best to always freshly grind the coffee powder shortly before preparation.
Do not store the coffee in the spice cupboard, it easily absorbs foreign odours.
It is best to use up coffee beans within one to two months, coffee powder within two weeks.
How long does coffee last?
Even if coffee is a sensitive product: In principle, you can store it forever. Stored dry, it does not get moldy – and thus does not spoil. However, as described above, it quickly loses its aroma – and thus its taste.
If in doubt, you can simply consult your own senses: Does the coffee smell unpleasant or rancid? Then please dispose of it. If not, give it a chance and brew it up.
Why you shouldn’t store coffee in the fridge
You often hear or read the tip to keep coffee in the fridge. This is a myth with no truth to it. You should never keep coffee in the fridge. The reason is simple: coffee literally absorbs moisture and foreign odors. Condensation forms just when you switch between the fridge and the kitchen, which damages the coffee aroma. And who likes coffee that tastes like Emmental or salami?
Can you freeze coffee?
In fact, it is possible to freeze coffee. Storage in the freezer does not harm the coffee – but it is not really good for it either: the aroma and scents change when it freezes.
If you want to freeze coffee, you should only do it with whole coffee beans.
- Pack the beans airtight.
- Freeze the coffee in small portions.
- Let the coffee beans thaw in the freezer container.
Facebook Comments