The technical answer is yes. Should you freeze coffee beans? No. (Please don’t!)
So why shouldn’t you freeze coffee beans?
In general, the issue is moisture. The action of putting something into a freezer and then taking it out (and then in and out again) creates condensation and the risk of moisture on coffee beans. Moisture (ahead of brewing) is one of the great enemies of coffee freshness.
The three great enemies of coffee freshness are: light, moisture, and oxygen. By keeping your coffee away from those three, you can maintain great, fresh coffee. As soon as you expose your beans to light, moisture, or oxygen, your coffee begins to stale.
Ground coffee has increased surface area, which means more area for moisture to access the coffee and begin oxidation. So by placing your ground coffee in the freezer, you’re allowing this great enemy to thrive!
How should I store my coffee?
Using an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keep it in your sealed coffee package and place it in your pantry. Hide that coffee from light, moisture, and oxygen! Buy in quantities that you can go through quickly.
Still not convinced?
Okay, fine. But one final warning: If you choose to freeze a whole package of coffee, you may experience rapid staling of your coffee – you have officially been warned. J
If you really must freeze your coffee, we will tell you how to do it properly. The only way we condone freezing coffee beans is in pre-portioned, whole bean form.
Here’s an example. Say you always keep East Africa whole bean in your house (because it’s delicious) but you want to have some decaf on hand in case a pie presents itself after dinner one day. You could weigh out and freeze the whole bean decaf coffee in 55g portions. When its pie time, grab the pre-portioned coffee, grind it, and brew in a French press immediately.