Rule #1: Only freeze coffee for long term preservation
Say if you bought a larger quantity because of a good sale. By freezing coffee you are slowing inevitable chemical reactions until you are ready to use the bag in it’s entirety. This is a great idea. Definitely freeze coffee that you cannot consume in the next 2 weeks.
Rule #2: Do not refrigerate coffee – only freeze it
…the refrigerator is ultimately a very bad storage environment for coffee
The refrigerator has been lying to you. It’s the worst possible place to store coffee. Don’t do it, unless you feel that onions and stale mayo enhance the flavour of your beans. Moisture and oxygen quickly degrade the coffee bean’s cell structure negatively impacting its flavour. The refrigerator is a moist environment with all sort of fragrances that will become imbued into your coffee. It’s also not nearly cold enough to significantly slow chemical degradation processes working to stale your coffee. So, the refrigerator is ultimately a very bad storage environment for coffee. Never ever put your coffee in the refrigerator.
Rule #3: Only freeze coffee in airtight containers
…you can get started freezing coffee by using zip-lock bags. Freezer bags are a cost-effective option for long-term coffee storage.
For best results use an airtight container like a purpose designed canister or even a simple Zip-lock bag. Coffee, like many types of food, is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs surrounding moisture. It also readily absorbs odors and flavors from the surrounding environment. .
Some folks recommend applying tape over the degassing valve so as to disable it. There is some merit to this idea if the original packaging is unopened. However it is pointless if the bag has been opened as the bag will never be airtight again.
You can get started freezing coffee by using zip-lock bags. Freezer bags are a cost-effective option for long-term coffee storage. They will improve the longevity of stored coffee immensely. Simply place any unopened coffee bags in a large Zip-lock freezer bag. Push the air out and seal the freezer bag up tight. Now place it in your freezer. Voila! Large freezer bags can actually hold up to three 1Lb coffee bags. Nifty huh?
Storing coffee in the original package
Coffee roasters sometimes use one-way valve bags. These bags help with coffee off-gassing but can fail, leaving a path for oxygen and moisture. It’s best not trust valved bags for storing your coffee in the freezer. Some folks recommend taping over the degassing valve so as to disable it. This idea has some merit if the original packaging is unopened. However it is pointless if the bag has been opened as the bag will never be airtight again.
Alternative coffee storage strategies
Many containers that we might commonly find in our kitchens will still allow small amounts of oxygen to sneak in. However, they will still keep your coffee better that the roaster’s original opened bag.
You may find that a better quality canister will yield still better results. These are two truly airtight solutions we have found:
Fellow Atmos Vacumm Canister (ideal for keeping ground coffee)
Coffee roasters sometimes use one-way valve bags. These bags help with coffee off-gassing but can fail, leaving a path for oxygen and moisture. It’s best not trust valved bags for storing your coffee in the freezer. Some folks recommend taping over the degassing valve so as to disable it. This idea has some merit if the original packaging is unopened. However it is pointless if the bag has been opened as the bag will never be airtight again.
Rule #4: Only freeze coffee once
Putting and open bag in and out of the freezer will only introduce moisture and off-flavours. It’s a game of diminishing returns. Don’t refreeze your coffee. Once the factory sealed pouch has been opened, get through the coffee in less than two weeks and store it at room temperature in an airtight container.