Whole Beans vs Ground Coffee

All coffee produced is roasted before it is consumed; this roasting process brings out the flavour of the coffee by changing both the physical and chemical makeup of the beans.
Once the coffee is roasted, left to cool, degassed and then packaged, the  coffee beans are then stored in a cool dry place to preserve their freshness ., Coffee beans themselves act like a container locking in all of the flavours, and aromatic oils that have developed through the roasting process. Once the beans are ground, the flavour is exposed for brewing, but if this brewing doesn’t happen soon after the beans are ground, the flavour and aroma dissipate. Whole bean coffee stays fresh much, much longer because there is less surface area exposed to oxygen. Grinding the coffee yourself is not only the best way to enjoy the freshest coffee; it’s also the first step in experiencing the aroma of the coffee even before you brew it. Ground coffee will begin to stale within 15 minutes, so it is best to buy yourself a grinder to grind whole beans to preserve the oils and aromatic compounds.

Another way to prevent the ground coffee from becoming stale is to store the unopened zip lock bag in freezer. When coffee is required simply open the bag, measure out the required amount, then squeeze the air out of the bag and close the zip lock and return to the freezer.  If the coffee is to be used within a couple of days it is recommended that the coffee is stored in a dry, cool place, and away from heat. The reason behind storing it securely and properly is to prevent air and moisture from reaching inside the bag causing the coffee to diminish in flavour and become stale.

Coffee tastes best if consumed 3-10 days after the beans have been roasted, depending on the blend, but the flavour can be preserved if stored properly using the zip lock bag which prevents oxygen from getting to the coffee.

In conclusion the general consensus is that it is better to purchase whole beans rather than ground coffee knowing that the ground coffee will have already started to leak flavour and will deteriorate more rapidly after the pack is opened.