Best way to store coffee beans?

[kitchengoddess8]

I bought some Organic Mexican coffee beans at Starbucks and grind a little every time I make a cup. On the foil bag it says "use within a week of opening", which I have not done. I don't drink coffee that often, so how I can store the beans to keep them freshest?

[Dawgluver]

Originally Posted by kitchengoddess8

I bought some Organic Mexican coffee beans at Starbucks and grind a little every time I make a cup. On the foil bag it says "use within a week of opening", which I have not done. I don't drink coffee that often, so how I can store the beans to keep them freshest?

I keep mine tightly closed in the fridge, in their original container, then in a ziplock. We don't drink much coffee either, and our coffee stays nice and fresh. I have also kept them in the freezer, again in an airtight container. I ordered a specialty blend some years ago, and that was what the website recommended.

[justplainbill]

Store vacuum packed refrigerated beans in small Foodsaver™ ziplock bags or 1/2 pint ball jars.

[msmofet]

I store my whole beans in vacuum sealed ziplock bags in the freezer.

[kitchengoddess8]

Storing them in the fridge doesn't make them moist?

[justplainbill]

Originally Posted by kitchengoddess8

Storing them in the fridge doesn't make them moist?

Not if they're vacuum packed or they are packaged in a low humidity environment.

[kitchengoddess8]

Unfortunately I don't have anything to vacuum pack foods. Will it work to store the beans in a mason jar in the fridge without vacuum packing them?

[Dawgluver]

Originally Posted by kitchengoddess8

Unfortunately I don't have anything to vacuum pack foods. Will it work to store the beans in a mason jar in the fridge without vacuum packing them?

It should, I use a chip clip on the top of the original bag, then store in a ziplock, squeezing out all the air. Some pill bottles have food grade antidessicant packs, you could throw one of those in there too. I've never had a problem keeping my coffee beans fresh tasting.

[Oldvine]

I clip the bag shut and toss it in the refrigerator or in the freezer for longer storage.

[kitchengoddess8]

Is there a difference between a mason jar and an ordinary glass jar? I have an old sauerkraut jar that I washed in the dishwasher. Will that do if I decide to use a jar instead of keeping them in the bag?