Should Coffee Beans Be Stored in the Refrigerator? The Science Behind Coffee Bean Freezing and How to Store Fresh Coffee Beans

"FrontStreet Coffee recently noticed a topic in the discussion groups"

How do you store your coffee beans after buying them? In the refrigerator! I've seen many coffee experts put their beans in the refrigerator. But won't the beans get damp in the refrigerator? The refrigerator is dry! (So FrontStreet Coffee interviewed various coffee beans 🎤)

Why Freeze Coffee Beans?

First, we need to understand why coffee beans are frozen.

The purpose of freezing coffee beans is for preservation. Freezing for preservation is typically a method used by businesses that roast large quantities of coffee beans to ensure freshness. The freezing process significantly reduces the oxidation and metabolic rate of coffee beans, effectively "locking in" the flavor compounds within the beans. Research shows that coffee beans in a frozen state can maintain good flavor for 2-3 months. Although freezing can preserve coffee flavor, the beans are in a "pseudo-fresh" state. While the flavor might be close, it certainly doesn't taste as good as freshly roasted beans from a few days ago.

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FrontStreet Coffee often emphasizes the freshness of coffee beans~ Freshly roasted coffee beans have their optimal flavor period from 4-30 days after roasting. Why 4 days after roasting? Freshly roasted coffee beans produce a large amount of carbon dioxide internally, and the smoke generated during the roasting process leaves the beans with a smoky taste immediately after roasting.

During these 4 days, coffee beans will naturally release carbon dioxide through the one-way degassing valve. The carbon dioxide carries out the smoky taste along with it. This period is what we commonly call the "bean resting period." Of course, depending on the degree of roast and roasting approach, the resting time for coffee beans varies. Four days is considered the "minimum" resting time.

Why Do Coffee Experts Freeze Coffee Beans?

To improve coffee bean grinding quality, making the ground particles more uniform. Frozen coffee beans become more brittle, and the oils in the coffee beans are in a condensed state. When ground at this time, the coffee bean particles will be more uniform, reducing the production of overly coarse or fine particles.

(Attention! This is for frozen beans, ground immediately after taking them out. Once thawed, moisture will form on the surface of the coffee beans due to temperature difference, which not only affects grinding but also impacts the flavor expression of the coffee.) Additionally, during the brewing process, water temperature also needs to be adjusted because the coffee powder temperature is lower than room temperature.

Can We Use This Method in Daily Brewing?

Can we use this method in our daily brewing to make coffee particles more uniform? FrontStreet Coffee thinks it's unnecessary~ First, this frozen grinding requires very quick operation. Due to the large temperature difference, in many cases, frozen beans will start to produce moisture in less than a minute when returning to room temperature.

Second, equipment is also an important factor. If you find that your coffee beans grind very unevenly in daily use, FrontStreet Coffee recommends replacing your grinder with a higher-quality coffee bean grinder. If you only experience an excess of fine particles, consider buying a fines separator to sift out the fine particles.

What Conditions Are Needed for Freezing Coffee Beans?

Freezing coffee beans isn't as simple as everyone thinks - it's not enough to just put them in the refrigerator. After roasting, coffee beans are packed into separate bags, the air is extracted from the packaging, and then sealed to put the coffee beans in a vacuum state before placing them in a refrigerator at -18°C to -21°C for freezing. Once frozen coffee beans are thawed, they cannot be refrozen.

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FrontStreet Coffee has heard that many enthusiasts like to put coffee beans in their original packaging into the refrigerator's fresh-keeping compartment. If opened coffee beans are not properly sealed, the "colorful" odors in the refrigerator love to migrate into the coffee bean bag. Coffee beans unfortunately have an "accepts all visitors" attitude, absorbing everything completely. When such beans are ground and brewed, the taste can make you question your life choices!

How to Store Coffee Beans Daily?

First, when buying coffee beans, try not to stock up. Finish one package before buying the next. When storing coffee beans, choose a cool, dry place, as high temperatures will accelerate the dissipation of bean flavor.

For storage methods, you can choose to keep the original packaging. The coffee bean packaging sold by FrontStreet Coffee all has one-way degassing valves, which can release gas from the package while preventing external gases from entering. But remember to seal the zip lock properly~ For those with conditions, you can also purchase vacuum-sealed containers for coffee bean storage.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473