To keep coffee fresh, store whole beans in an airtight container somewhere cool, dark and dry — away from air, light, heat and moisture. Buy only what you will drink in two to four weeks, and grind just before brewing. Do that and every cup tastes the way the roaster intended.

What makes coffee go stale?

Four things are the enemies of fresh coffee: oxygen (it oxidises the oils and dulls flavour), light, heat, and moisture. Coffee also releases carbon dioxide for a while after roasting, which is why fresh beans taste so lively. Protect against those four enemies and you protect the flavour.

The best way to store coffee beans

• Keep it airtight. An opaque, airtight container is ideal. If your bag has a one-way valve and a good seal, it works well too — just press out excess air.
• Cool, dark and dry. A pantry or cupboard away from the oven, kettle and sunlight is perfect.
• Whole beans, not pre-ground. Ground coffee goes stale far faster. Grind only what you need, just before brewing.

Should you keep coffee in the fridge or freezer?

Skip the fridge — it is humid and full of odours coffee will absorb, and the temperature swings cause condensation. The freezer can work for long-term storage only if beans are sealed in truly airtight, single-use portions, and you do not thaw and refreeze. For day-to-day coffee, an airtight container in the pantry is simpler and better.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Whole beans are at their best in roughly the first few weeks after roasting. They will not be unsafe after that, but the flavour fades. This is exactly why we roast to order rather than warehousing stock — so your beans arrive fresh, not months old.

Buy fresh, buy little and often

The single biggest freshness upgrade is buying smaller amounts more often. Order a bag you will finish in a few weeks, keep it sealed, and grind fresh. Our Sydney-roasted beans are roasted to order for exactly this reason — start with our house blend, Almond Blossom.

Frequently asked questions

How should I store coffee beans at home?

Keep whole beans in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, dry place away from heat and sunlight, and grind only just before brewing.

Should I keep coffee in the fridge?

No. The fridge is humid and full of odours that coffee absorbs, and temperature swings cause condensation. A sealed container in the pantry is better.

Can you freeze coffee beans?

Yes, but only for long-term storage in truly airtight, single-use portions, and without thawing and refreezing. For everyday coffee, pantry storage is simpler and better.

How long do roasted coffee beans last?

They are at their best within roughly the first few weeks after roasting. They remain safe longer, but the flavour gradually fades, so buy what you will use in two to four weeks.

Freshness starts with the roast. Shop beans roasted to order in Sydney.