How do you keep coffee grounds fresh longer?
by Karine Lemoine
After purchase, a pack of ground coffee is already beginning to lose its aromas. Many people then wonder how to keep their coffee fresh longer without altering the taste.
Ground coffee is much more fragile than coffee beans, because the surface area exposed to air is much larger. However, a few simple actions can slow down this loss of freshness.
Table of Contents
Here are the essential points you need to know to properly store ground coffee grounds: the choice of container, the storage location and the mistakes to avoid, especially with the refrigerator.
Why does ground coffee lose its aroma so quickly?
Coffee contains volatile aromatic oils that evaporate when in contact with air. Once ground, coffee offers a much larger area of contact with oxygen than in whole beans, which accelerates oxidation.As soon as the package is opened, ground coffee begins to lose its aromatic intensity, generally within one to two weeks.Light, heat and ambient humidity further accentuate this phenomenon.
Choose an airtight and opaque container
The first instinct to adopt is to transfer the coffee into an airtight box as soon as the original package is opened, often closed with simple tweezers or a fold. A stained glass jar, a metal can, or a ceramic box with a rubber seal are perfect.The main thing is to prevent air from entering and light from passing through the container, because UV also degrades aromatic compounds.
Where to store ground coffee in the kitchen?
The closet is the ideal place, as long as it is away from heat sources like the oven, stovetop, or radiator. Locations near a sink or window should also be avoided, where moisture and daylight can seep in. A cool, dry and dark place preserves the quality of the coffee for several weeks.
Should you put ground coffee in the fridge?
This is a common mistake: the refrigerator is not a good place to store coffee.Ground coffee is very absorbent and easily picks up odors from other foods, which may alter its taste. In addition, each door opening causes temperature variations that promote condensation inside the container, bringing in unwanted humidity. This humidity accelerates the degradation of coffee instead of slowing it down. The freezer has the same problem of condensation when defrosting, unless care is taken to never reopen the container several times.
Our tips
►Buy small quantities
It is better to buy quantities that you will consume in two to three weeks rather than a large pack that will lose its aromas before it is finished.
►Close carefully after each use
Clear the air out of the container before closing it and avoid leaving the box open longer than necessary while preparing the coffee.
►Prefer to grind coffee just before use
If you have a grinder, buying whole beans and grinding just the amount you need is still the best way to enjoy aromatic coffee.
In summary, an airtight and opaque container, stored in a cool and dry place, remains the best solution for maintaining the freshness of ground coffee, far away from the refrigerator.
You can also read:our guide to coffee drinksandWhether flavored coffee contains calories.
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