If you love coffee, here are a few tips on how to store it for perfect flavor every time you brew a cup.

The Do's

Do remember the basic rule – Keep the beans in an airtight container, away from light and heat.

Do transfer your coffee from its original bag to an airtight glass or ceramic container to store it.

Do buy high-quality, gourmet coffee if you can. The flavor stays fresh longer.

Do use your frozen coffee within three months.

The Don'ts

Don't buy too much – Coffee starts losing its characteristics (flavor, body, etc.) almost immediately after being roasted. For the best-tasting coffee, buy only enough to last you a week (two tops).

Don't rely on the refrigerator as a magical storage solution – Unless the package is firmly tied, the coffee beans can pick up moisture and unpleasant flavors.

Don't Rush – Whole beans preserve the flavor much better than grinded coffee. Always grind right before brewing.

Don't freeze your coffee in one large package. Thawing coffee will cause humidity to form, which destroys the flavor. If you must keep your coffee in the freezer, save it in small quantities in Ziploc bags.

Don't store coffee near strong-smelling foods, such as garlic. Coffee beans are very porous and will pick up the odor of any strong food around.

Don't use plastic or metal containers to store your coffee. They can spoil the flavor.