Should I keep my coffee in the fridge?
For many, the fridge seems like a logical place to store anything perishable. After all, it keeps vegetables crisp and dairy products fresh, so why wouldn’t it do the same for coffee? Unfortunately, coffee beans and grounds have very specific needs when it comes to storage, and the fridge environment actually works against those needs in several ways. Here’s a few reasons why your fridge is one of the worst places you could keep your coffee stash.
Coffee is a moisture magnet
Coffee is incredibly hygroscopic, meaning it quickly absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. Fridges are inherently humid places due to the condensation that forms on cold surfaces. This moisture acts like a thief, stealing away the essential oils that give coffee its rich aroma and flavour. Ground coffee, with its increased surface area, is even more susceptible to this moisture absorption. The result? Weak, stale coffee tastes like it was made with leftover grounds.
Temperature changes mean condensation
While cold temperatures can slow down the degradation process in some foods, they’re not a magic bullet for coffee. Fridges aren’t designed to be freezing cold, and the slight chill isn’t enough to significantly extend coffee’s freshness. Worse yet, every time you take your coffee in and out of the fridge, it undergoes a temperature fluctuation. This constant cycle of warming and cooling creates condensation, which can further accelerate the breakdown of those precious coffee oils.
Coffee absorbs flavours
Coffee is a natural deodoriser, which is great for eliminating fridge odours, but not so great for the coffee itself. Fridges are filled with loads of different strong-smelling foods, from pungent cheeses to leftover curries. Coffee, with its porous structure, easily absorbs these aromas. The consequence? A cup of coffee that tastes slightly of last night’s dinner or of the cheese you’ve been keeping for the weekend. Not the ideal scenario!
How to store coffee properly
Now that we’ve established the fridge as a coffee killer, let’s explore some ideal storage solutions:
- Airtight Containers: An opaque, airtight container is your best friend. This minimises exposure to light, oxygen, and moisture, the three main enemies of fresh coffee.
- Cool and Dark: Find a cool, dark cupboard or drawer away from heat sources. This provides a stable environment that slows down the degradation process.
- Whole Bean Wins: Whole coffee beans stay fresher longer than pre-ground coffee. The grinding process exposes more surface area to air, accelerating the loss of flavour and aroma. Grind only what you need each time to ensure maximum freshness.
- Moderation is Key: Don’t buy in bulk unless you go through coffee quickly. Freshness is paramount, so buy smaller quantities more frequently. Or drink more coffee so that you get through a larger quantity quicker!