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Many coffee lovers think storing their coffee in the fridge will help keep it fresh for longer, but this is actually a big mistake. Coffee, whether in bean form or ground, has specific storage requirements that are often misunderstood. Storing coffee in the fridge can lead to issues with flavour and quality, and even make it spoil faster than expected.
The main reason coffee should not be stored in the fridge is due to moisture. Coffee is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture and odours from the environment around it. The fridge is a cold, humid environment where coffee is likely to pick up unwanted flavours from nearby food items like cheese, onions, or leftovers. Moisture can also alter the structure of the coffee, causing it to deteriorate faster.
Another reason is temperature fluctuation. Every time you open the fridge, the temperature changes slightly, and coffee exposed to these fluctuations can experience condensation. This results in the coffee absorbing more moisture, which is the enemy of fresh, flavorful coffee. The cold temperature of the fridge also doesn’t do anything to preserve the flavour of coffee beans or grounds.
Storing coffee in the fridge can result in a significant loss of flavour. When coffee beans or grounds absorb moisture from the fridge, the natural oils within the coffee begin to degrade. These oils are essential for giving coffee its rich, aromatic taste. When they break down, the flavour profile of the coffee becomes muted, dull, and stale.
While it might seem logical to store coffee in the fridge to extend its shelf life, the opposite is actually true. Coffee stored in a cold, humid environment like the fridge will spoil faster due to the increased exposure to moisture. The combination of cold temperatures and moisture causes coffee beans to lose their freshness at a faster rate than if they were stored properly at room temperature.
Ground coffee is even more susceptible to spoilage when stored in the fridge. Since it has more surface area exposed to air and moisture, ground coffee goes stale much quicker than whole beans. If you store ground coffee in the fridge, you’ll likely notice a drop in flavour and aroma within a few days.
How to Properly Store Coffee
The best way to store coffee is in an airtight container, kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. This prevents exposure to light, air, and moisture, all of which can degrade the quality of the coffee. A pantry or cupboard away from heat sources like the oven or stove is an ideal location.
For whole beans, it’s recommended to store them in their original packaging or transfer them to a container with a tight-fitting lid. If you buy coffee in bulk, divide it into smaller portions and store each portion in separate containers to maintain freshness. Only grind the amount of coffee you need right before brewing, as ground coffee loses its flavour more quickly than whole beans.
If you’ve been storing your coffee in the fridge and notice that it’s not tasting as good as it used to, it’s likely gone stale. Some common signs of stale coffee include a flat, dull flavour with little aroma. The coffee may also taste bitter or sour, as the natural oils have degraded. If you open a bag of coffee and it doesn’t have the usual rich, inviting smell, it’s a good indication that the coffee is past its prime.
