Storing coffee beans in your freezer might sound like a weird idea. Freezers are usually packed with a wide array of items, and coffee might not seem to belong with the rest of them. In this article, we’ll discuss whether this is really the case and if coffee can safely be stored in a freezer and if you purchasing pre-roasted beans in sizable quantities is a tip that just might solve a lot of problems and prevent tons of wastage.
It’s also useful to know that there is considerable disagreement over the merits of extended storage in a cold, damp environment where exposure means bacteria and mold, among other delights. We’ll examine all the arguments on either side and help you decide whether you should store your beans in a freezer.
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The Basics of Storing Roasted Coffee Beans
There are four things one needs to protect their coffee beans from oxygen, light, moisture, and heat.
Once beans are roasted, the gaseous flavors and aromas stored inside coffee beans continuously escape them in small quantities. Pre-roasted beans usually have a shelf life of around a month. But that’s assuming it isn’t exposed to any of the four devils we mentioned. Simply storing your beans in an opaque, airtight container is not enough. The location matters too, and keeping your coffee near your microwave might result in it being exposed to bacteria producing heat.
Moisture is another factor that rapidly degrades the quality of your coffee beans by acting as a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. The reason for storing coffee grounds in a freezer is such a divisive topic is that it is one area of your kitchen where the risk of exposure to moisture is highest. So should you take the risk?
Storing Coffee Beans In a Freezer
There are certain specific scenarios wherein storing coffee beans in a freezer can actually help retain its freshness! Ground beans must absolutely not be stored in a freezer. Since the chances of moisture sticking to its surface are far higher. Besides, it is always advisable to only purchase a week’s worth of coffee at a time. This is the period where roasted beans remain flavorful and fresh.
However, if your schedule does not permit visiting the local supermarket very often, buying beans in bulk might be your only option. If you plan on using roasted coffee beans after more than 8-10 days of opening the seal then a freezer is a viable option, provided you do it correctly. Freezers are packed with different foods that carry their own aromas, and these can often get mixed with your coffee if your container is not sealed tightly enough. Nobody wants to wake up to coffee that’s been rolling in the odor of raw chicken, or pasta, but it is a risk that might be worth taking.
Container
It is of utmost important to divide your ration into smaller containers before keeping them in for the long haul. Also, ensure that your seal is of good quality to ensure that nothing escapes or enters the container. Keep about a week’s worth out in the open. For the remaining, gauge how much you would require in one month and pour that quantity in each individual container.
Lastly, when you remove these containers to use the beans, let the vessel reach room temperature before opening it. This will prevent condensation from ruining your coffee. Remember to never let an open coffee container linger near, or in a freezer.
Though there is no substitute for freshly roasted coffee, sometimes we need to keep our beans away for another day. In such cases, storing coffee beans in a freezer can well be worth your while, if you follow all the necessary precautions.
Freezers are generally packed with food and tons of moisture that can ruin the taste and aroma of your cup o’ joe. So if you think your ration won’t last beyond a week to ten days, do not freeze your coffee. But if there’s enough to use for more than a month, don’t be afraid to experiment with this handy tip.
Do you store your coffee in the freezer? Let us hear your experience in the comments below!
Learn some additional, exciting coffee tips in our articles 5 Pro Tips to Become a Great Barista with Ease, How to Grind Coffee Beans for the Perfect Cup, or even How to Make Iced Coffee at Home!
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