Source
r/Coffee•
lapiak

Green beans at my doorstep at -30ºC

I ordered some green beans from Sweet Maria's and I thought they would be arriving next week. It happened to arrive on Friday and I didn't notice there was a shipment on my front step until Sunday morning. Would having green beans outside in -30ºC (-22ºF) weather over a few days damage or decrease the quality of the beans?

Thank you.

Update: Asked Sweet Maria's the question, and they said there should be no issues as long as the beans didn't get wet. I tried roasting it, and they came out great.

Posted Nov 30, 2014, 9:53 PM UTC · edited

66
swroastingCoffee•

We source green beans from Minnesota and Wisconsin which are housed in steel sided warehouses, shipped in non-heated trucks, and stored in non-heated FOBs during transport during the winter. We have never had a problem with cold temperatures effecting the beans. The main thing I recommend it to try to avoid opening the packages while they are too cold because the beans could develop significant condensation. Allow them to return to room temp before opening (and don't try to roast cold beans). This may not pose any problem short-term, but I wouldn't want to store them at room temperature for long after they have been exposed to surface moisture.

6
lapiakOP•

That's very good to hear! I appreciate you sharing your experience. I just let it sit until it reached room temperature and I don't plan on starting the roast until next weekend.

1
doctorishEspresso Shot•

How cold were the beans? Were they actually frozen?

My only possible thoughts are that the water in the bean could expand and damage the structure. Not certain on how much damage could be done. There is only one way to find out. Roast them. Then report back here.

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lapiakOP•

It's hard to say. It was packaged up with wrapping paper around it and the bags were sealed tight. The bags were fairly cool to the touch, but like you said, there's only one way to find out.

I plan on roasting it next weekend, so we'll find out. Hopefully it won't affect the taste.

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d0d63•

I haven't left green beans at that temperature for any amount of time, but I'd be curious to hear as well.

Also, you might want to ask r/roasting

1
lapiakOP•

I'll do a cross post there, thank you.

Will update this status next week when I try roasting it.

2