How to Store Ground Coffee Properly at Home

Ground coffee starts to lose its aroma the moment you open the packet, because the powder is then exposed to oxygen, light, heat and moisture. To keep the flavour for longer, it’s best to decant it into an airtight, opaque container stored in a cupboard, well away from the hob, the window and other warm spots in the kitchen.

Why is it not recommended to store ground coffee in the fridge?

A fridge combines two things that are bad for coffee: moisture and smells from other foods. Each time you open a cold container and it meets the warmer air in the kitchen, condensation can form, leaving tiny amounts of water on the grounds.

That dampness speeds up the breakdown of aromatic compounds and can change the taste of the drink. Coffee also takes on odours very easily, especially if it’s kept in a poorly sealed package near cheese, seasonings, meat and cooked foods.

Which container best preserves the aroma?

The container needs to keep air out and stop light getting in. Clear containers only work well if they are kept inside a closed cupboard, while dark glass, ceramic and stainless steel provide extra protection:

• Choose a container with an airtight seal;
• Use a container sized to match the amount you’re storing;
• Try not to leave lots of empty space inside the container;
• Keep the lid and rim clean and dry at all times;
• Don’t mix fresh coffee with leftovers from an older packet.

Where should coffee be kept in the kitchen?

A dry larder or cupboard that’s protected from light is the best place to store the grounds made from coffee beans. The cupboard you choose shouldn’t be directly above the hob, next to the oven or near a window, because these areas often experience temperature swings.

It’s also wise to avoid leaving it on a worktop that gets direct sunlight. Even in a tightly sealed container, heat can accelerate oxidation of the oils responsible for aroma, meaning the drink can taste less intense before you’ve finished the packet.

Why does buying smaller packs make a difference?

Once opened, the packet takes in a fresh amount of air each time you use it. Buying smaller portions and finishing them within a few weeks reduces exposure time and helps maintain the qualities you notice during brewing:

• Check the manufacturing or roast date when it’s provided;
• Choose quantities that suit your household’s consumption;
• Reseal the container as soon as you’ve taken out the grounds;
• Use a spoon that is clean and completely dry;
• Avoid having several packets open at the same time.

How to preserve the flavour until the last cup

The best results come from combining the right container, a dry storage spot and reasonably quick use. Coffee storage does not improve by putting it in the fridge, because condensation and refrigerator odours pose greater risks than the steady temperature of a protected cupboard.

Keeping the grounds in an opaque container also supports different brewing methods, including a reusable method that doesn’t use a paper filter. When coffee is kept away from air, light, heat and moisture, its aromatic oils reach the hot water in better condition and produce a more fragrant drink.