How should coffee be stored to maintain its freshness?

To maintain the freshness of coffee, storing it in a sealed container at room temperature is the best method. This approach limits exposure to air, moisture, light, and heat, which are the main factors that contribute to the degradation of coffee's flavor and aroma over time.

A sealed container protects the coffee from oxygen, which can cause the beans to oxidize and lose their quality. Additionally, keeping the coffee at room temperature ensures that it is not subjected to temperature fluctuations, which could potentially affect its freshness.

While refrigerating coffee may seem like a good idea, it can introduce moisture and leave the coffee beans susceptible to absorbing odors from other foods. Storing coffee in an open container would lead to rapid staleness due to air exposure, and keeping it in a bright, warm place would further accelerate the deterioration process, both of which are detrimental to preserving the coffee's flavor profile.