Keeping coffee grounds fresh for long is a challenge. In fact, as soon as the roasting process is over, it is important to be careful about maximising coffee's freshness. As carbon dioxide leaves the beans and oxygen rushes in, ground coffee tend to gradually lose its flavour.
Pre-ground coffee degasses quicker than whole coffee beans, so it only takes a week for a package of ground coffee to start losing its freshness. You should always use ground coffee within two weeks of purchase if you're not buying coffee beans and grinding them every morning.
One might argue the small differences don't always show up in the coffee's flavour profile but you don't have to be a coffee snob to tell that fresher coffee is always better coffee. Here are some things you can do to make sure your coffee stays fresh for as long as possible, especially if you're using grounds:
Don't Use The Refrigerator
The fridge may seem like a good idea to store grounds since it's a cool, dry place. However. you should avoid storing them in areas with lots of moisture. A fridge is quite damp and this sort of humidity can cause your grounds’ moisture to evaporate, leaving you with stale coffee.
Take Expiration Dates Seriously
We rarely check expiration dates on coffee grounds but they do matter. Experts even suggest that you should check up on both the expiration date and the roast date. Ideally, you should aim to grind and drink the coffee grounds in any given bag within three or four weeks of its roast date even if that’s earlier.
If you're travelling or have inconsistent coffee intake, make sure you opt for small batches of coffee grounds. You can even sign up for a delivery service to get your grounds on scheduled intervals
Choose Airtight Containers For Espresso
Espresso variants are trickier to store. Ground coffee for espresso should be stored in an airtight container and should be kept away from light, moisture, and strong smells. Storing ground coffee at room temperature in a dry place maximises its freshness and shelf life. So go for a sealed container.
Kitchen shelves are a good idea if you have found the right container; a double-walled tumbler is ideal for storing espresso.
Grind Your Coffee
Buy coffee beans instead of ground coffee and invest in a grinder. Grinding your own coffee every day guarantees you have access to freshly ground coffee. If your grinder allows for it, grind your beans by pulsing which can create an even, consistent grind and will extract more precise flavours.
If you're worried about storing coffee beans, remember the best way to store coffee is to store it in original packaging. Interestingly, most coffee bags that hold beans are designed with a gas-release valve on them, allowing gas to expel without letting oxygen in. If you use these sealable bags and store them in an airtight container, your beans will stay fresher for long