A dry cupboard rather than a warm machine
Choose a spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Caffè Borbone recommends cool, dry storage away from direct light. The illy guide for E.S.E. pods specifically advises against keeping pods on top of the machine or in damp places. A dry kitchen cupboard is therefore more suitable than a shelf right beside the steam wand.
Open individually wrapped pods just before brewing
With individually wrapped pods, open only the portion you are about to prepare. illy recommends keeping the wrapper sealed until use. A decorative bowl of unwrapped pods no longer provides that packaging protection. Avoid damaging the filter paper when opening the wrapper and follow the instructions on your pack.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loose pods
Several pods in one bag and individually wrapped portions are different types of packaging. Once you open a shared bag, follow its instructions for closing and storage. There is no single number of days that can be inferred for every variety. If useful, note the opening date to keep track of several packs in use.
Plan your supply around your consumption
Divide the number of pods in a pack by your usual daily use: at two brews per day, 50 pods work out to 25 days. This helps with planning; it is not a shelf-life statement. Before making a larger purchase, check the best-before date of the goods delivered and use older suitable packs first.
Questions and answers
Should E.S.E. pods go in the fridge?
For its E.S.E. pods, illy specifically recommends cool, dry storage outside the fridge and freezer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular variety.
Can I remove all the individual wrappers as soon as I buy them?
Leave individually wrapped pods in their wrappers until preparation. This preserves the packaging protection intended by the manufacturer until use.
How long do my pods keep?
The best-before date and storage conditions are shown on each pack. One general shelf life does not apply to every roaster, packaging type and delivery.