Is it a good idea to store coffee in the refrigerator?
This article is not only addressed to coffee lovers (which is also true), but to all those who cannot start the day without that wonderful revitalizing experience that a good dose of caffeine offers us every morning. If you enjoy the nuances and aromas of this beverage, you surely know that it is not enough to spend a lot of money on a good specialty coffee; it is also essential to store it correctly.
Have you ever wondered if you store your coffee in the right way? Are you one of those who keep it in the refrigerator? Is the cold an ally that preserves its freshness or an enemy that ruins its flavor? Prepare yourself a good cappuccino or a delicious Irish coffee and join us in this reading, where we will give you some tips on how to store your coffee correctly.
The cold: an enemy for our coffee
Although cold seems like a good solution for preserving food, the refrigerator is not an ideal environment for storing coffee. Here are the reasons:
- Humidity: The refrigerator is a humid place, and humidity is a great enemy of coffee. When in this environment, the coffee begins to absorb water, which causes the coffee, whether in beans or ground, to "infuse" prematurely, affecting its flavor.
- Odors: If coffee absorbs humidity, it also absorbs odors. If you have cheese, garlic or a stew in the refrigerator, their aromas will end up impregnating your coffee. Roquefort-flavored coffee? No, thanks.
- Temperature changes: When you take coffee out of the refrigerator, the change in temperature generates condensation inside the container. This additional water accelerates the oxidation of the coffee, affecting its freshness and flavor.
In summary, although the cold limits oxidation, the conditions in the refrigerator are not the most suitable for coffee.
What if I store it in an airtight container?
Good idea... half-heartedly. Using an airtight container may seem like the solution, but if you put it in the fridge, you won't be eliminating all the problems. Although you will partially limit oxidation and outside odors won't penetrate, fridge humidity and condensation will still be a problem. So, yes to the airtight container, but a resounding no to the refrigerator.
What if I go on vacation? An exception in case of emergency
If you are not going to consume the coffee for weeks, you can make an exception and store it in the refrigerator, but be sure to do so in an airtight container to minimize exposure to moisture and odors. In these cases, a slightly altered coffee is preferable to a completely stale one.
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