Planetary Design Airscape Stackable Coffee Canister For Ground Coffee

Over the years, there have been many theories on how to keep coffee grounds fresh at home. For a while, it was theorized that storing it in the freezer would keep it fresh longer, but the pantry has been deemed best in recent years. The problem with freezer storage is that pulling the coffee in and out of the freezer each day can cause moisture to build up, impacting the oils that are essential for giving coffee its flavor.

The key to keeping coffee beans and grounds fresh is to remove light and air from the equation. The pantry is typically a dark enough place, but you can further protect it by making sure the container you store it in doesn’t let light in. But air is important, as well. Your coffee should always be stored in an airtight container or bag until you’re ready to make it.

When you buy coffee, it’s sealed in an airtight bag. As soon as you break that seal, though, you’re letting air and light in. In a pinch, leave it in the original light-resistant bag and put that bag in a sealable plastic bag like a freezer storage bag. But a container is a better long-term solution that will let you pour your coffee in as soon as you’ve opened the container.

If you’re looking for a storage container, make sure you find one that seals. You can find some that use a vacuum seal to keep air out. If it’s designed to completely block light, you could even store it on the kitchen counter. Some containers even use a CO2 valve to ensure all air is removed from the container while the coffee is stored there. This can be a great way to extend the life of your coffee.

• It’s best to buy your coffee in the smallest quantities possible. As convenient and affordable as it can be to buy in bulk, the more coffee you purchase, the more you’ll sacrifice freshness as you get halfway through the container.
• For the freshest results, invest in a coffee grinder, store your coffee beans in an airtight container and only grind what you need for the day.
• Even with grounds, though, you can go at least a few months past the expiration date on the bag if you keep air and light away.
• Tracking the date of purchase on your coffee can be tough once you move it to a new container. Some coffee canisters come with a date dial on the lid to let you input a date and keep track of when the contents were inserted.
• Wherever you plan to store your coffee, choose a container that minimizes space while also holding the amount of coffee you typically have. Most containers will easily handle a typical bag of coffee grounds or beans with plenty of room to spare.
• If you choose a container that protects the coffee using a rubber seal, make sure the seal is strong enough to keep air out.
• Some canisters come with a scoop that makes it easier to measure out the amount of coffee you’re putting into your coffeemaker each morning.
• If you plan to store your coffee on your kitchen counter, look for one that matches your décor. You can find canisters in stainless steel, gray and even bright colors.
• Cleaning an airtight container can be tricky, especially if your canister uses vacuum sealing or a valve to keep air out. In that case, you’ll want to handwash the components that have the technology built-in. Many coffee canisters aren’t dishwasher safe, so if this is important to you, look specifically for that feature when buying.