Keep Your Coffee Fresh

We launched our 5lb bags this year, a long time coming! Spurred on by many customers who've asked for bigger bags of coffee, we've had a ton of great feedback.

However, one of the most asked questions has been: how do I keep my coffee tasting fresh?

Buying a big bag of coffee requires a little extra care when storing, but you can absolutely enjoy the first and the last cup of the bag.

Step One: Assess your weekly consumption.

Are you a 12oz bag a week household? Do you brew a little extra on the weekends or when you have company? You just need a rough estimate to be able to divide your coffee. Here's the important part: you're not going to just keep your 5lb bag on your counter and open it up every day for your morning brew. That much exposure to oxygen will hasten the coffee tasting stale. 

Step Two: Divide your coffee into airtight containers.

Remember the enemies of fresh coffee: air, light and moisture.
If you split the coffee into smaller portions, it limits the amount of bad stuff that touches those precious beans and locks in all the good stuff (like aromatics). You can use vacuum sealed bags, mason jars or other containers that keep the air out.  

Your coffee does comes in a bag with a one-way valve, so as long as it's in that bag it's safe. You just don't want to keep opening and closing it - that's where it can get stale. 

Step Three: Freeze Long-Term, Store Room Temp for Short-Term

If you'll drink it in the next 2-3 weeks, it's ok to keep it out at room temp. 
If you know you won't get to some of your coffee for 4-6 weeks, go ahead and tuck that portion in the freezer (making sure it's in that airtight container!). When you're ready to drink it, just take it out the night before you need it and thaw it on the counter sealed/unopened. When you wake up it'll be ready for a fresh morning brew. 

Other Best Coffee Storage Practices:

• Do store in a cool place, but not a cold place (don't put in the fridge!)
• Don't store above or near your oven.
• Do store away from light (a cupboard is perfect!)
• Don't refreeze coffee after it's been thawed.
• Do grind fresh. If you can invest in a decent grinder, your brews will be much fresher and tastier vs. purchasing ground coffee. 
• Do invest in storage gear. If you're taking buying bulk seriously, spend a little of the money you're saving on your wise purchasing by going for an Airscape or Mason Jar with C02 valve. 

Still worried about stale coffee? Share it!

Maybe you want to save some cash and buy in bulk but you really don't go through it quickly. Find a coffee pal and get a little buying club going! You can meet up for a coffee date and split a 5lb bag. Win-win!

Any other storage or freshness questions? Drop them below!