"Can I freeze my coffee?" It's a question we get asked all the time. Whether you order in bulk or are going away for vacation, we did some freezer testing so you can learn the easy do's and don'ts of freezing coffee for optimal freshness.
Every day storage vs long-term
Yes, you can store coffee in the freezer. However, it's not ideal for everyday storage. Here are the top four things to remember:
- HARD NO on ever keeping your coffee in the fridge.
- keep daily use coffee in a cool and dry cupboard.
- freeze only for longer term storage
- once out of the freezer, keep in a cool, dry, cupboard.
Freezing can help preserve the fresh flavour of coffee, but after a few days out of the freezer, the taste can start to get muted. Almost like it catches up to its true age.
Use the freezer for long-term, one time storage of coffee.
For example, if you order our 5lb bags of coffee or get your subscription filled just before you go out of town without it for a week, you can put that coffee in the freezer until you're ready to use it and keep it in a cool and dry place.
DON'T take coffee in and out of the freezer.
When we tested this, we noticed that condensation caused ice crystals to form. When these crystals melted, the coffee ended up being very damp, which is something you definitely want to avoid. This excessive moisture is also why you should never store coffee in the fridge.Tips for Daily Coffee Storage:
For daily storage, keep your coffee in an airtight container in a dry place. Have we mentioned that enough? If your coffee comes in a resealable bag with a valve built into it (like ours), that's perfect. Otherwise, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Again, your cupboard will do.
Don't get too hung up on needing coffee that's just days off the roast.
Many coffees evolve as they off-gas, but in the first few weeks, the changes aren’t necessarily negative. This is especially true for natural process coffees. A friend and mentor in the coffee business once compared it to the life of a beloved dog. The puppy phase is fun and peppy, then as it ages, it becomes more mellow, but you love it just as much for different reasons.
Conclusion
While freezing your coffee is an option, it's best used sparingly and strategically. For daily use, focus on airtight storage in a cool, dry place, and enjoy the evolution of your coffee's flavour over time. Happy brewing!
