Freezing coffee beans has long been considered a taboo practice among coffee aficionados. However, experts like Jaymie Lao and industry leaders from specialty coffee roasteries are challenging this notion. Freezing beans, when done correctly, can preserve their freshness and enhance brewing quality. Esben Piper of La Cabra, Kyle Ramage of Black and White Roasters, and Matt Lewin of ONA Coffee have all experimented with freezing beans for competitions and specialty menus, finding that it can positively impact flavor. Freezing beans requires eliminating air and moisture from the storage bags, ideally using vacuum sealing. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains the beans' quality. Michael Phillips of Blue Bottle Coffee even uses specialized tubes to store single doses of beans, creating a personal coffee library. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a seasoned barista, freezing beans can be a practical way to enjoy high-quality coffee without waste.
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