How to defrost frozen coffee beans

September 28th, 2010, 3:58 pm

I read the article "Coffee: To Freeze or Not to Freeze" and I possibly missed the part on the proper method to defrost the beans.
I would like to defrost small amounts ... only one or two "scoops" at a time ... the beans have been stored in glass jars. How long should they be left at room temperature before grinding? I read that frozen beans can be ground but I presume then you would still have to wait for the coffee to reach an appropriate temperature ...
Any hints or suggestions would be most welcome ...

September 28th, 2010, 4:27 pm

The only issue, as far as I know, is keeping condensing moisture away from the beans. Always seal and unseal them at room temperature: seal --> freeze --> defrost --> unseal

September 28th, 2010, 4:49 pm

Thank you for your reply Jim ... do you have any idea how long it takes the small quantity of beans to reach room temp ?

September 28th, 2010, 5:32 pm

Not exactly. I take 1/3 pound lots out of the freezer three to four hours before I use them. They are always ready by that point.

#5: Post by **Bob_McBob** » September 28th, 2010, 6:08 pm

I usually just take it out the night before or in the morning if I plan to use it in the afternoon.

#6: Post by **JohnB.** » September 28th, 2010, 6:30 pm

The roasted beans don't hold the cold long so it depends how you are packing the beans. I've checked 80gr vacuum bags of roasted beans with a Raytek MT6 temp gun & it took approximately 10 minutes for the beans to reach room temp after removal from the freezer. If you've got them in a glass jar you'll be waiting much longer as the glass & metal lid need to come up to temp.

#7: Post by **CoffeeOwl** » September 28th, 2010, 7:42 pm

I once took a 250g bag out of the freezer and opened it after 3 hours - the beans were still cool. Since then I take the bag out one night (12 hours) before planned use.

#8: Post by **mitch236** » September 28th, 2010, 8:04 pm

Am I missing something? If you freeze the beans as soon as you get them (maybe 3 days past roast), don't you still want to let them rest for a day or two anyway?

September 28th, 2010, 9:48 pm

Thanks all you coffee geeks !

#10: Post by **wookie** » September 28th, 2010, 11:03 pm

mitch236 wrote:Am I missing something? If you freeze the beans as soon as you get them (maybe 3 days past roast), don't you still want to let them rest for a day or two anyway?

That depends on what beans you are freezing and how long you anticipate them being in the freezer. Ideal usage for some beans is 3 - 4 days post roast. Others may peak after a week. Also, coffee will still age in the freezer, just at a lot slower rate.

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