Many people believe that freezing coffee beans will help keep them fresh for longer, others believe that it actually ruins their flavour. So, what's the real deal? We tell you everything you need to know about freezing your coffee beans and why it might just be your secret to a quality cup of coffee every single time.
To Freeze or Not to Freeze? A Guide to Freezing Coffee Beans
Why you should freeze your coffee beans?
The Benefits of Freezing Coffee Beans
- Freezing keeps the flavour better
- Freezing increases grinding quality
- Freezing preserves your beans’ potency
- Freezing beans can ensure you never run out of coffee
- Freezing can help you stock a variety of coffee beans
Step-by-step Guide to Freezing Coffee Beans
- Choose fresh, high-quality beans
- Store the beans in an airtight container
- Label and date the coffee container
- Purchase a vacuum sealer
- Freeze the beans at a constant storage temperature
- Grind the beans and enjoy!
How long does coffee stay good in the freezer?
A Guide to Freezing Containers
Should You Vacuum Seal Coffee Beans?
Tips for Freezing Coffee Beans
Get Freshly-Roasted Coffee Beans Delivered to Your Door
- Does freezing coffee beans change the flavour?
- Can you freeze ground coffee?
- Do you freeze your coffee beans?
- Can coffee beans get freezer burn?
- Can I freeze coffee in its original packaging?
- Should I freeze coffee beans or just store them on my pantry shelf?
Why you should freeze your coffee beans?
Freezing is a common method of preserving goods and it also works for coffee. Freezing your coffee beans can keep them fresh for longer. This is because volatile oils, gases and aromas, which are released as your coffee ages, deteriorate over time. The cold temperatures in a freezer slow down this process and help to maintain the freshness of the beans.
The Benefits of Freezing Coffee Beans
Freezing keeps the flavour
When coffee beans are exposed to air, their delicate aromas and flavours can be lost. Freezing helps slow down this process, keeping the flavour of your coffee beans better preserved for longer periods of time. It is important to freeze coffee beans at their freshest because it is also the peak flavour window.
Freezing increases grinding quality
Coffee beans that have been frozen can be ground much more easily than those that haven't, creating a more even grind with less fines produced.
Freezing preserves your beans’ potency
The freezing process also helps preserve the taste of coffee as it retains its body and other compounds for longer. This means that you can have freshly brewed coffee with a full-bodied flavour and maximum potency every time.
Freezing beans can ensure you never run out of coffee
If you like to go through your coffee beans quickly, then freezing them can be a great way of ensuring you never run out. You can store frozen beans for up to six months and still get the same great taste and quality as if they were freshly roasted
Freezing can help you stock a variety of coffee beans
If you want to experiment with different types of coffee, then freezing is the way to go. You can stock up on a variety of beans and keep them frozen until you're ready to use them. This will also help maintain their freshness for longer periods of time.
So, should you freeze your coffee beans? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. However, if you want to ensure that your coffee beans are always fresh and full of flavour, then freezing them is definitely worth considering. With the right technique and storage methods, freezing can help preserve the quality and taste of your favourite brews for longer periods of time.
Step-by-step Guide to Freezing Coffee Beans
1. Choose fresh, high-quality beans
The better the quality of beans you start with, the fresher and more flavourful your end product will be. Look for freshly roasted beans preferably from specialty coffee roasters and inquire about the roasting date when you make a purchase.
2. Store the beans in an airtight container
Put the coffee beans into an air-tight container, such as an air-tight plastic bag or better still a vacuum-sealed one. Make sure it is completely sealed before putting it into the freezer, as any exposure to air will start the oxidation process and begin to degrade the flavour.
3. Label and date the coffee container
It is important to label and date your airtight storage, as this will help you keep track of when it was frozen. This way, you can make sure that you consume the beans within six months or before.
4. Purchase a vacuum sealer
Having a domestic vacuum sealer can help remove air from the bag, which prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the beans and degrading them over time. This will help to keep your coffee beans fresh and full of flavour for longer periods of time.
5. Freeze the beans at a constant storage temperature
Ideally, coffee beans should be frozen at 0°F (-18°C). If you do not have access to this temperature, then freezing them at a slightly higher temperature can still provide good results.
6. Grind the beans and enjoy!
You can now grind your beans, preferably in a burr grinder or other grinding apparatus. Then it's time to enjoy delicious cups of coffee.
How long does coffee stay good in the freezer?
Coffee beans can generally stay good in the freezer for up to six months when stored properly. After this time, they will start to lose their potency and flavour. Therefore, it is important to label and date your vacuum-sealed bags so that you can keep track of how long they have been stored.
A Guide to Freezing Containers
When it comes to freezing coffee beans, the right container is key. It should be airtight and preferably made of glass or stainless steel. Glass jars with rubber seals are ideal, as they provide a tight seal that prevents oxygen from entering the container. If you have a vacuum sealer, using a resealable bag can also help protect your beans from oxygen.
Should You Vacuum Seal Coffee Beans?
Vacuum sealing can help protect your beans from oxidation and keep them fresh for longer. It also helps to preserve the aromas and flavours of the beans, which makes it worth considering if you plan on freezing your beans for an extended period of time. If you plan to freeze your coffee beans on a regular basis, investing in a vacuum sealer is worth considering.
3 Tips for Freezing Coffee Beans
1. Freeze in small batches
It is best to freeze your beans in small batches so that you can use only the amount that you need. This will help keep them fresh and full of flavour.
2. Store in the coldest part of your freezer
Coffee beans that are stored in the coldest part of the freezer will remain fresher for longer periods of time because this part has fewer temperature fluctuations.
3. Store away from strong odours
It is also important to store your beans away from strong odours, such as garlic and onions, as these can easily be absorbed by the beans resulting to an undesirable coffee taste.
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Get Freshly-Roasted Coffee Beans Delivered to Your Door
Are you a coffee aficionado but you don't want to go through all the work of having to freeze your coffee beans? Veneziano Specialty Coffee Roasters offers a coffee subscription service that delivers the freshest coffee beans to your door. Featuring specialty coffee beans from some of the best growers in Central and South America, Veneziano Coffee offers a wide variety of roasts and flavours to suit every palate. Our subscription service makes it easy to keep your coffee supply topped up - simply choose how often you want your coffee beans delivered, and we'll take care of the rest.
By having your favourite coffee beans shipped right to your door, you can always enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without having to leave home. And because they're roasted fresh, you'll always get the best flavour - no more watered-down stale coffee beans that's been sitting on the shelf for weeks. You can also give our coffee subscription as a gift to the coffee lovers in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does freezing coffee beans change the flavour?
Freezing coffee beans can actually preserve their flavour and aroma for longer periods of time.
Can you freeze ground coffee?
Yes, you can freeze ground coffee as well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Do you freeze your coffee beans?
No, we roast and pack our coffee beans in small batches. This way, we can ensure the quality of our coffee beans and that they are as fresh as possible when you receive them.
Can coffee beans get freezer burn?
Yes, coffee beans can get freezer burn. Freezer burn is a type of food spoilage that results from dehydration. When food is exposed to cold air, the ice crystals that form inside the food cause it to lose moisture. This can result in loss of coffee flavour and texture. The best way to avoid freezer burn is to package the beans in a moisture- and vapour-proof material like vacuum-sealed plastic wrap or an airtight container.
Can I freeze coffee in its original packaging?
Yes, you can freeze beans in the original coffee packaging as long as the packaging is airtight.
Should I freeze coffee beans or just store them on my pantry shelf?
It really depends on how long you want them to last. Storing them in the freezer will keep them fresh for up to half a year while storing them on your pantry shelf will only keep them fresh for up to a month from the roast date. We recommend buying in smaller quantities more regularly so you always have fresh coffee on hand.
Suggested reading:
How to Store Coffee Beans to Keep your Beans Fresh
How Long Do Coffee Beans Last? All Your Questions on Coffee Freshness Answered
