The Reason You Shouldn't Store Coffee Beans In The Refrigerator

Coffee is a popular beverage many people love drinking in the morning. In fact, 65% of Americans drink coffee with their breakfast (per Disturb Me Not). However, when it comes to making a morning cup of joe, everyone has their own routine. Some head straight to the fridge to grab coffee beans, while others head to the cupboard.

Storing coffee can be a point of contention whether you prefer your coffee ground or whole bean form. Some swear that coffee stays fresher in the fridge, while others leave it sitting on their counter or in the cupboard. So, what's the right answer?

While both may get the job done, there is one preferred way to store your coffee beans. According to the National Coffee Association, coffee beans are best kept away from air, moisture, heat, and light. With that said, the answer would appear to be storing them in the fridge, but that's not the case.

The best way to store your coffee beans is not in the fridge but in an airtight canister on your counter. Coffee beans need the perfect moisture, heat, and oxygen balance. The problem with storing beans in the fridge is that it's cold, moist, and dark. Another issue with storing your beans in the refrigerator is that, like many other foods stored in containers, they can absorb unpleasant aromas from other foods. This is no surprise since the nitrogen in coffee makes it a natural household deodorizer like baking soda (per Eldorado Coffee).

What about storing them in the freezer? Brianne Linne, a researcher of coffee chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, states this method isn't ideal. While it may help preserve the aroma, it won't impact the longevity of the coffee itself (per Inverse).

MasterClass says that your best bet when storing coffee grounds is to seal them in an airtight container, whether in a bag, canister, or mason jar. From there, place the container in a dry place at room temperature, like a pantry or cupboard, and use the beans within a month for optimal freshness.

You might wonder which type of coffee lasts longer: ground coffee or whole bean. Presto Coffee states that whole-bean coffee will last much longer.

An unopened bag of freshly roasted coffee beans has about six months of shelf life. After that, its quality and flavor will start to decline. You can still use your beans 6-9 months after its shelf-life date. However, its taste may not be strong.

Ground coffee loses its flavor quicker than whole bean coffee because it has more surface area. Once the coffee is ground, it oxidizes, reacting with the air and impacting the flavor molecules. Your unopened ground coffee will stay good for roughly 3-5 months (per Presto Coffee).

For the freshest cup of coffee around, buying whole beans and storing them as stated above is recommended. When making your next cup of joe, grind the beans you need and store the rest, and this will ensure your morning cup of caffeine is as delicious as possible.