November 23, 2021
How Long Can You Freeze Edibles?
Table of Contents
We all love edibles. They are delicious, easy to consume, and offer a convenience that you donât find in other cannabis products. This has led many to purchase hemp-derived edibles online or even make a batch of their own at home.
But one way or another, we can end up with more THC-infused treats than we know what to do with. This brings us to the question: can you freeze edibles?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze edibles to preserve them longer! But it all depends on the type of edible you have.
Between gummies and baked goods, there will be a very different storage process. In this article, we will be discussing how to store these different types of edibles properly and how long you can freeze edibles. Whether you are using store-bought or making your own, these storage methods are guaranteed to extend your edibles' shelf life.
Storing Different Types of Edibles
Edibles come in many forms, and like non-infused food items, each type has a different shelf life. At Hometown Hero, our edibles, which range from THC gummies to baked goods, have a shelf life of about one year unopened, but to preserve them long-term, you want to take precautions to store them correctly.
Factors Affecting Shelf-Life
There are many factors affecting the shelf-life of THC edibles, including:
- What type of edible it is and its ingredients: Baked goods usually contain ingredients like butter or milk which can cause the edible to spoil much faster if not frozen. Alternatively, gummies are usually vegan and are fine in the pantry.
- Whether the edible is store-bought or homemade: Store-bought edibles may last longer, especially if they contain preservatives. Homemade edibles might spoil much faster due to variations in cooking methods.
- Environment: All edibles fare best in a dry, cool environment. Humidity (aka, moisture) and sunlight can diminish the shelf-life of any edible. Additionally, keep all edibles in an air-tight container. Oxygen is not only the enemy of food (think about how avocados turn brown when opened)- it degrades cannabinoids too, reducing their potency over time.
That being said, let's dive into the proper storage methods for gummies and baked goods.
Storing Gummies and Candies
A general rule for edible gummies and candies is to store them in a cool and dry location, such as a cabinet. Make sure to keep them in their original packaging and, for added measure, seal them in an airtight container.
As long as the storage area meets these standards, your edibles should last six to nine months. Of course, the expiration date on the package is ultimately going to be your source of truth.
What about freezing or refrigerating this type of product? Well, if you try to put your gummies or sour candy in the refrigerator, they'll likely just become hard as a rock.
Storing Baked Goods
Baked goods such as cookies and brownies have shorter shelf lives than gummies because they typically contain ingredients like butter and milk. Fortunately, baked goods can be frozen for long-term storage (up to six months).
But before you pop your batch of THC goodies in the freezer there are a few important details to note. Here are the dos-and-don'ts of freezing baked goods.
1. Wrap Them Up!
Most edibles (especially gooey, cirspy cereal bites) stick together in the freezer, making it difficult to thaw out just one at a time. To avoid this, you'll want to individually wrap each edible. Your initial instinct may be to use plastic wrap, but this material makes removal difficult and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. That's why we recommend either parchment paper or wax paper.
2. Keep Them Airtight
As mentioned previously, oxygen degrades cannabinoids and exposes food items to potential bacterial growth. So to preserve your edibles' potency, flavor, and safety- keep them airtight.
We recommend using glass jars or plastic containers. Storing your edibles in these containers makes grabbing one individually wrapped piece easy, and is helpful if you use your edibles sporadically.
However, if you only have plastic zipper bags to work with, don't fret. These can work- just need to make sure to press out as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
Some have suggested that the ultimate method to store your edibles is using a vacuum sealer. Although on the pricier side, this machine will effortlessly and precisely draw out the air for you. If you freeze your edibles often, you should look into splurging on this type of equipment.
3. Keep Them Away From Light
Like oxygen, exposure to UV light can degrade THC molecules and cause them to lose potency. To prevent this, place your containers in the back of the freezer or freezer.
With short-term storage, keep it in a dark location with a consistently cool temperature, preferably 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21.1 Celcius).
4. Let the Edibles Thaw
When youâre ready to enjoy an edible, take one out of the freezer a few hours before consumption.
If you're in a hurry, you might be tempted to warm them up in the microwave, but this type of technology may affect the edible's natural flower taste and affect potency.
Storing Cannabutter and Oil
Homemade cannabutter and oil can last up to three weeks in the fridge. But if youâre only planning to use a little, you may want to store it in the freezer. The beauty of cannabutter is it can be used in nearly anything, and even after being frozen for months, it doesn't lose its richness or potency.
The ideal storage method for this type of edible starts with wrapping it tightly in parchment paper, then placing it into a glass jar. Or you can spend a little extra time pouring the butter into ice cube trays. After the butter turns solid, pop each section out and wrap it individually. Then place it back into an airtight container towards the back of the freezer. This technique is preferred for those who plan to use their cannabutter in small portions.
Storing Hometown Hero Edibles
Hometown Hero edibles follow the same storage guidelines outlined above. Our Delta-8 THC and hemp-derived Delta-9 gummies come in airtight child-resistant packaging that can be placed in a cabinet or closet.
As for our baked goods, if you expect to keep them for more than a few days after opening, we recommend storing them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer.
When Do Edibles Expire?
When you have had edibles stored in the freezer for a few months, you may start to wonder, "How long can you freeze edibles for?"
As previously stated, edibles can last for roughly six months frozen, but make sure to label the container with the date you froze them in permanent marker. This will allow you to gauge the timeframe of its shelf life.
If you donât have the date written down or are unsure if the edibles are still fresh, you need to identify any signs of spoilage.
Signs Your Edibles Have Gone Bad
What happens when your edibles have been kept in the freezer for more than 6 months, or haven't been stored properly? Key areas to look for signs of spoilage are appearance and smell.
Throw your edibles away immediately if you notice:
- Discoloration
- An unpleasant odor
- Mold growth
However, let's say you don't notice any of these signs and eat your edible. You notice that the effects don't kick in when they normally would (which is up to an hour after consumption). Or worse- they don't kick in at all! This may indicate they've lost their potency. As sad as it is, this means it's time to toss them.
Conclusion
If you commonly find yourself with spoiled edibles, you wonât have to worry about them losing their freshness again by following our storage recommendations. The next time someone asks you, âCan you freeze âmarijuanaâ edibles?â Feel free to share with them all the tips you have learned!
Until next time, happy exploring, and mind your mind.
