Coffee is a morning staple for many, and buying in bulk can mean significant savings. However, you have to find a way to keep it tasting fresh. The freezer makes ideal storage space for many items, but can you freeze coffee? Read on to learn how to store and keep your coffee fresh.

Why Your Ground Coffee Perishes 

Have you ever wondered what makes coffee go stale? Gases and moisture are the most common culprits for ruined coffee beans.

First, it’s important to understand that coffee roasting involves understanding the chemical reactions that impact the beans’ composition. Roasters learn how to manipulate heat and time to create specific flavor profiles. They understand that the roasting process causes gases to form inside the whole beans.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent gas in roasted coffee beans. It gradually releases after roasting, a process called degassing. This crucial step is why roasters don’t suggest you grind coffee for at least 48 hours after roasting. It’s also why ground beans go stale faster.

The degassing process typically occurs slowly as long as the beans remain whole. Once you grind the beans to brew coffee, you release a lot of CO2 suddenly, leading the coffee’s flavor and aroma to degrade faster. 

Between the instantaneous loss of CO2 and exposure to air molecules, coffee can lose quality fast. That’s why fresh ground coffee tastes better and why it’s crucial to keep all coffee grounds stored in an airtight container.

Additionally, coffee beans contain oils that contribute to the taste and aroma. Those precious oils dissolve in water, meaning any moisture that makes its way into your beans before brewing can diminish the flavor of your next cup. 

Ground Coffee Staling 

While many factors contribute to coffee going stale, including foods stored near it, oxygen is the number one offender. Air can damage coffee beans, whether they are whole or ground because it affects the gasses and oils that create the flavor and scent.

Coffee beans work a lot like many other consumables. Exposing it to the air accelerates the rate at which your coffee degrades. 

Pre-ground coffee has already been exposed to air during the grinding and packaging processes. Plus, grinding the beans reduces their stability, leaving the grounds more susceptible to oxygen damage. 

That’s why most roasters use special packaging to reduce exposure and slow the staling process. Anything you can do to reduce exposure to air, moisture, and light can slow the coffee staling process.

How to Store Ground Coffee?

While keeping your coffee on the counter next to your brewing system is convenient, it’s not the best option. Knowing how to store your coffee properly can keep it fresher and ensure you avoid brewing something akin to motor oil.

Considering the primary factors that lead to stale coffee, storing ground coffee in airtight containers, at a consistent temperature, and away from the light is essential. 

Ensure Storing coffee beans in a special canister. It might not have the same aesthetic as clear glass jars piled with beans, but you can still keep it on your counter. Try a stainless steel or ceramic one that matches your kitchen decor.

The key is finding something airtight that won’t let light degrade the coffee. Choosing a container with a rubber seal around the lid is best.

Can You Freeze Coffee Grounds? 

Do you want to buy in bulk to save money? You may not go through a pound fast enough to keep beans fresh. Whatever your reason for prolonging your ground coffee’s life, freezing it might be the best option.

Your freezer remains dark and moisture-controlled, which is ideal for your coffee. As long as it has vacuum sealing, like in the original packaging, you can extend the shelf life up to two years. If it’s not vacuum-sealed, you can expect it to last around six months or so.

As a word of caution, you shouldn’t take coffee in and out of the freezer daily. The fluctuating temperatures create moisture in the pockets, which can also cause problems for your frozen ground coffee by messing with the moisture levels. 

Additionally, avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator for two reasons. Coffee absorbs odors, meaning it could pick up something from other food in your refrigerator. Plus, you probably open and close the refrigerator more often than your freezer, exposing it to more light. 

Keeping It Shelved? 

The pantry is ideal for whole or so much ground coffee beans that you use daily. Provided you choose the right coffee container or packaging, it should last for about a month in the pantry.

Keeping your coffee out of direct light and at a steady temperature is the best way to maintain its integrity. You can store the coffee in an opaque, air-tight container or use a double-bag system.

To double-bag your coffee, you need a rubber band and a resealable plastic bag. Keep the coffee in the original packaging. Release all the air from the package and fold down the top.

Secure the package with the rubber band and place it inside the resealable plastic bag. Try to release as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it. 

If you don’t have a resealable plastic bag available, a mason jar or plastic container can work. The goal is to keep the coffee as airtight as possible.

How To Freeze Coffee Beans Correctly? 

While not all professional roasters agree on freezing coffee, many support the method for managing an abundance of coffee or expensive, special occasion roasts. 

According to some professional roasters, don’t just toss the packaged beans into the freezer and call it a day. Taking a few extra steps can prolong the life of your beans or grounds and ensure you get the best possible cup of coffee when you use them.

Start by dividing the coffee into smaller portions. Package each portion into airtight bags and label them with a date.

When you’re ready for the coffee, pull it out of the freezer and let them thaw in a cool, dark place. Do not open the coffee until it thaws completely, which should take a day or so.

As a bonus tip, it’s a good idea to divide it into only as much coffee as you would use in 10 to 14 days. When you pull the bags from the freezer, you should use the beans within two weeks for maximum freshness.

Conclusion 

A fresh morning cup of coffee can kick your day off right, and that means protecting your beans. Now you know about freezing coffee and the best ways to store it for maximum freshness. 

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