To keep your coffee beans as fresh as possible, the National Coffee Association has some simple tips that will ensure the first cup is as good as the last. First, the biggest enemies of coffee beans are air, moisture, heat and light. Use airtight containers that are opaque, and keep them in a cool, dark spot. Inside a cabinet away from the oven, for example, is ideal. If you have preground coffee, transfer it out of the bag and into a container, and try to buy it in smaller batches.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION