At Pablo & Rusty's, we're passionate about delivering the freshest possible coffee experience. But what happens when you need more time to finish a bag of beans or you want to stock up on your favourite roast? The question of freezing coffee beans inevitably comes up. Like many things in life, the answer is a nuanced "yes, but..."
The science of freezing coffee
Freezing offers a way to slow down the natural staling process of coffee. Very cold temperatures limit oxidation, which preserves the aromatic compounds responsible for that delicious coffee flavour and aroma. Essentially, freezing puts the brakes on the process that makes coffee lose its freshness.
However, there are limitations to this approach. Most home freezers simply can't reach the ideal storage temperature of -40 degrees Celsius. While freezing won't completely halt staling, it can still extend the lifespan of your coffee beans to some degree.
Another challenge is freezer dryness. Freezers are effective at removing moisture from the air and this can be detrimental to coffee beans. Moisture loss can negatively impact flavour and aroma.
Freezing coffee beans the right way
So, how can you freeze coffee beans without compromising quality? Here are Phil's top tips:
Portion control: Divide your coffee beans into portions that will last you one to two weeks. This minimises the number of times you have to open the container and expose the beans to air.
Embrace the vacuum: While vacuum sealing is the gold standard, it's not always necessary. Just focus on removing as much air as possible from your chosen storage container.
Container choice: Select freezer-safe containers for optimal storage. Mason jars or reusable freezer bags are both good options.
Defrosting done right: The night before you plan to brew, take out a portion of frozen beans and let them defrost naturally inside the sealed container. Avoid opening the container while defrosting, as this can cause condensation to form on the beans, affecting the flavour.
Grind fresh: Always grind your coffee beans immediately before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavour much faster than whole beans.
By following these simple tips, you can successfully freeze coffee beans and extend their shelf life while preserving that delicious flavour you crave. However, for the ultimate coffee experience, we at Pablo & Rusty's always recommend purchasing freshly roasted beans in quantities you'll use within a few weeks.
Craving a taste of adventure? Explore our Expedition Program, where we freeze freshly roasted, single-origin coffee beans at their peak and deliver them straight to your door!
