The secret to great coffee lies in its absolute freshness! After our thorough series of tests (including refrigerator vs. freezer, freezer vs. countertop, storage in bags or in an airtight container with or without freshness valve, etc.), we unequivocally confirm that freezing is the best method to preserve the freshness of coffee for several reasons.
Freezing slows down the aging process.
The freezing process slows down the aging process of the beans, preserving their freshness and flavor for longer. By keeping them in a constant and controlled temperature environment, such as a freezer, we avoid temperature fluctuations that can alter the quality of the coffee.
Additionnaly, coffee beans contain natural oils that can oxidize over time, but freezing slows down this oxidation process, thus preserving the freshness and taste of the coffee.
It's important to note that freezing coffee is effective only if you freeze freshly roasted coffee. Freezing old coffee won't make it fresher. Therefore, make sure to purchase freshly roasted coffee beans, preferably locally roasted by a trusted roaster, to get the best results in terms of freshness and flavor.
Freezing ground coffee just like whole beans?
Freezing ground coffee is also important, just like whole beans, as it helps preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee. However, it's even more crucial to freeze ground coffee as it has a larger surface area exposed to air, making it more vulnerable to oxidation and flavor loss faster than whole beans.
Choosing packaging that protects the coffee
Fully appreciating the different flavor notes of your coffee can be a rewarding experience. However, when these notes resemble those of fish, cheese, or any other unpleasant odor, it can ruin the experience. Since coffee is porous, it absorbs odors from its environment.
That's why it's essential to protect it from undesirable odors by storing it in a sealed container made of stainless steel, ceramic, high-quality glass, acrylic, or a perfectly airtight laminated plastic bag. Lower-quality plastic containers may seem convenient and affordable, but coffee inevitably absorbs the odors and taste of plastic.
Instructions for using frozen coffee
1.The water temperature needs to be adjusted because frozen coffee lowers the temperature upon first contact. For optimal extraction, use water temperature of 205 °F (96 °C).
2.Take the necessary amount of frozen coffee and quickly return the rest to the freezer. Avoid thawing and refreezing the coffee because if left outside the freezer for more than a minute, condensation can occur, which may alter the taste upon refreezing.
Grinding frozen beans
Some argue against grinding frozen coffee beans, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's not necessary to wait for the coffee beans to thaw before putting them in your grinder or coffee maker. Frozen beans preserve their delicious oils, making it easier to grind.
In summary
1. Freezing coffee slows down the aging process and preserves its freshness and flavor for longer.
2. It's crucial to freeze freshly roasted coffee beans and/or ground coffee to reap its benefits; freezing old coffee won't make it fresher.
3. Choose quality packaging to protect the coffee from undesirable odors and preserve its aroma.
4. Take the necessary amount of frozen coffee and quickly return the rest to the freezer to avoid thawing and exposure to moisture.
5. Grinding frozen coffee beans is effective and does not harm the grinder.
By following these steps correctly, freshness will be preserved for many months.
Don't believe us? Try it out!
