How To Store Coffee

Although there is a persistent myth about keeping coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, chef Jennifer Purcell of The Culinary Institute of America says that room temperature is best. She advises keeping coffee -- ground or whole bean -- in an airtight glass or porcelain container (a glass jar that has a rubber seal is ideal). Try to only buy 1-2 weeks worth of coffee at a time, and store it in a dark, cool place out of direct sunlight and heat. If you follow these tips, your coffee will stay fresh for every morning's cup.

For 60 years, The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education. In this video series, experienced chefs and educators show you how to tackle essential cooking techniques.

Hi, I'm Jen Purcell from the Culinary Institute of America, and today I'm going to show you this kitchen basic: how to properly store coffee.

Whether you buy whole bean or pre-ground coffee, storage is one of the most important elements of an optimal cup of home brewed coffee. What you want to use is an airtight resealable container, such as a glass or porcelain container that has a rubber seal on it. Whether whole bean or ground coffee, you want to store them in the same manner: not frozen or in the refrigerator. Try to only buy one to two weeks' worth of coffee. Place it in a dark cabinet or pantry, out of direct sunlight and heat, to extend the life of your coffee for one to two weeks.