If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you may have asked yourself the question: can I freeze my coffee beans? The answer is yes! Freezing coffee beans can be a great way to preserve the flavour and aroma of your favourite coffee beans for months, if done correctly.
When freezing coffee beans, the key is to make sure you don’t freeze them for too long. Coffee beans start to lose their flavour and aroma after about 3 months in the freezer. This is due to the volatile oils in the beans that break down over time. If you’re looking to store your beans for a longer period of time, you should instead be looking to order smaller amounts that are freshly roasted more frequently.
If you freeze your coffee beans, make sure to use an airtight container or resealable bag. This will help to keep out any moisture that could potentially ruin the flavour and aroma of your beans. Once you’ve sealed the container, place it in the freezer and leave it for up to three months. When you’re ready to thaw your coffee beans, it’s best to do so slowly. Take the container out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This will gently thaw the beans and allow them to retain their flavour and aroma. After 24 hours, move the beans to the counter to finish defrosting.
When it comes to storing coffee beans normally, it’s also important to keep them away from sunlight and heat. And to do a little bit of myth-busting, we highly reccommend you don't store beans in a fridge as standard. To keep coffee fresh, you want to keep them away from moisture and oxygen, and both of which there is plenty in your fridge.
With these tips, it will help to preserve the flavour and aroma of your favourite coffee beans for longer. And if you can keep yourself on top of your supply, ultimately the best way to enjoy freshly roasted coffee is to order the amount you need, month by month.