Coffee, the most consumed beverage globally with an estimated two billion cups consumed daily, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly in the UK and USA. Millions of people have subscribed to coffee subscriptions to enjoy the best quality coffee at home, with many investing in their own machines or aeropress in pursuit of that perfect cup.
Recently, leading coffee manufacturer Folgers shared its advice on the optimal way to store coffee to maintain its flavour for the longest time. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the freezer, although there are instances when freezing coffee is acceptable, according to coffee makers.
Given the significance of coffee in many people's daily routines - from providing a morning and early afternoon energy boost to offering gut health benefits and a variety of flavours, textures, and combinations - it's crucial to prepare it correctly and avoid any methods that could compromise its taste, reports the Express.
Is coffee good for you?
Is coffee good for your health? The short answer is a resounding yes. Coffee not only perks you up but also boasts several health benefits.
For starters, it can enhance the diversity of your gut microbiome, which is a crucial aspect of overall health, according to scientists. A study by nutrition science company Zoe, co-founded by Professor Tim Spector, revealed that coffee fans generally have a more varied gut microbiota.
Moreover, coffee is rich in polyphenols, beneficial plant-derived chemicals. Research also suggests that coffee might lower cancer risk, decelerate cognitive decline, reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, and offer protection against type 2 diabetes.
Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to confirm these potential advantages fully.
The best way to store coffee
When it comes to keeping your coffee fresh, major brand Folgers has some advice. As told to allrecipes.com, the key is to keep your beans whether whole, ground, or instant in a cool, dry place with the container sealed tight.
Kyle Hess, corporate communications spokesperson for The JM Smucker Co, which owns Folgers, said: "Properly storing coffee is one of the best ways to preserve its flavour and ensure that you're getting a high-quality cup of coffee with each and every brew." He noted that when stored correctly, coffee grounds should maintain their prime taste for "about 3 weeks" after opening.
What about refrigerating or freezing your coffee?
You might've heard some people swear by storing their coffee in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresher for longer, but that's not the advice from coffee giant, Folgers. Kyle said: "We do not recommend refrigerating or freezing coffee as this can result in flavour loss."
Not only does coffee sponge up moisture, which is abundant in fridges and freezers, but it also hones in on the various scents and savours inside, potentially leading to a less-than-desirable cuppa with dulled flavour notes. Echoing this sentiment is Scott McMartin, a director at the specialist coffee company Nomi Brew and former Starbucks executive.
He explained to Real Simple that daily use of frozen coffee means its packaging sees a lot of temperature changes, which leads to moisture building up another hit to the taste buds.
He said: "The cell structure changes, which causes a loss of the oils that give coffee its aroma and flavour." Despite this, he acknowledged that unopened original packets of java can handle the freeze if you really must store your grounds that way for about a year, though he still recommends that ground coffee is best when used within a month or two.
