How to store specialty coffee at home

Buying good coffee is only one part of the journey. The other part begins when the bag arrives at home. Although coffee may seem like a resistant product, it is actually quite sensitive to its surroundings.

Light, oxygen, humidity and heat can affect its aroma, freshness and flavour. That is why storing coffee properly is not a small detail. It is a simple way to respect the work behind every bean.

At 98% Monkey, we believe good coffee should be enjoyed calmly, but also with care.

Why coffee loses aroma

After roasting, coffee continues to change little by little. It releases gases, its aromas evolve and, over time, it loses part of its intensity.

This does not mean that coffee goes bad from one day to the next, but its profile can become less expressive.

The main enemies of coffee are:

• oxygen
• direct light
• humidity
• heat
• strong smells

That is why buying good coffee is not enough. It also needs to be stored correctly.

Keep it in its original bag

If the coffee comes in a suitable bag with a seal and valve, it is often best to keep it there. This type of packaging is designed to protect the coffee and allow gases to escape without letting too much air in.

The ideal approach is to close the bag properly after each use and store it in a cool, dry and dark place.

A kitchen cupboard away from the oven, window or coffee machine is usually a good option.

Avoid the fridge

Although many people keep coffee in the fridge, it is usually not the best idea.

The fridge has humidity, temperature changes and smells from other foods. Coffee can absorb those smells easily, and that directly affects the cup.

A coffee with notes of chocolate, fruit or caramel does not need to end up smelling like cheese, onion or yesterday’s dinner.

Better to avoid it.

Whole bean or ground coffee

Whenever possible, whole bean coffee keeps better than ground coffee. Once coffee is ground, much more surface is exposed to oxygen, and aromas are lost more quickly.

That is why, if you have a grinder, it is best to grind just before brewing.

If you buy ground coffee, try to use it sooner and close the package very well after each use.

How long does coffee stay fresh

There is no exact answer for every coffee, but as a general rule, it is best to drink coffee in the weeks after roasting, while it still keeps much of its aroma and character.

Over time, coffee does not necessarily become “bad”, but it can lose liveliness, sweetness and clarity.

That is why it is better to buy reasonable amounts and restock more often, instead of storing coffee for months.

Practical tips

To store your coffee better at home, you can follow these simple recommendations:

• keep coffee in a cool, dry and dark place
• avoid the fridge
• close the bag properly after each use
• keep coffee away from strong smells
• buy whole bean if you have a grinder
• avoid buying more coffee than you will use in a short time

These are simple habits, but they make a big difference in the cup.

Good storage is part of the coffee experience

Specialty coffee does not end at roasting or purchase. The way you store it at home also influences the final result.

Storing coffee well helps preserve its notes, sweetness, aroma and balance. It is a simple way to care for something that has passed through many hands before reaching your cup.

At 98% Monkey, we select and roast coffees with their own identity. You only need to give them the final care at home.

Discover our selection

Discover our coffees at www.coffee98monkey.com and enjoy every cup with the freshness it deserves.