How Long Can You Freeze Edibles?

We all love edibles. They are versatile, easy to carry, and offer a convenience that you don’t find in other hemp products. This has led some to either purchase hemp-derived edibles from the store or make their own at home. Still, many are left with the same question—can you freeze edibles?

Depending on the type of product you have, there will be a different storage process. In this article, we will be discussing how to store edibles properly. Whether you are using store-bought or making your own, these are the storage methods that will extend the life of your edibles.

Type of Edible

Edibles come in many forms, meaning each has a different shelf life. At Hometown Hero, our edibles, from gummies to baked goods, have a shelf life of about one year unopened, but to preserve them, you want to store them correctly. 

A general rule for gummies and candies is to keep them in a cool and dry location. Preferably in a closet or cabinet. As long as the storage area meets these standards, it should last six to nine months. Keep in mind that if you plan on eating them over a long period of time, make sure it is stored in an airtight container. 

Typically, after opening up your edibles such as cookies, rice crisps, and brownies, can last up to six months by following these tips. 

Storing Baked Goods Long-term

It doesn’t take much effort to store edibles long-term, but if they are homemade or opened, they can spoil faster.

For these reasons, enthusiasts have found that keeping them off the shelves and in a cold environment can lengthen the shelf life. Some use the refrigerators, while others use the freezer. Both have their advantages, but for those looking for maximum preservation, you’re going to need a freezer. 

Don’t Forget to Wrap It

Freezing edibles is a relatively straightforward task, but if you don’t use the correct material, you may end up with a stale and tasteless baked good. To counteract this, you want to individually wrap each edible, then place them in a glass jar or zip-up plastic bag. Your initial instinct may be to wrap it in plastic wrap, but we recommend wax paper. Wrapping your edibles with plastic could make removal difficult, along with a noticeable chemical aftertaste. 

Keep Them Airtight

Like any food item, it needs to be placed in an airtight container. We recommend using glass jars or plastic containers. Storing your edibles in these containers can be helpful in many scenarios, especially if you use your edibles sporadically. However, if you end up only having plastic bags to work with, they can still be useful. You just need to make sure to press out as much air as you can. 

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. Unless you don’t plan on freezing your edibles often, you should look into splurging on this type of equipment.

Keep Them Away From Light

This goes for all edibles, not just baked goods. If you put these products in a location with light, you risk the possibility of the THC molecules breaking down. To prevent this, place it in the back of the fridge and 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).

Let the Edibles Thaw

As long as the edibles are properly stored, they should never lose their quality or flavor. But if you’re planning to use them, take them out of the freezer a few hours before consumption. Being in a hurry, you might be tempted to warm it up in the microwave, but choosing this option will rush the thawing process. Even if the microwave sounds like a safe bet, it may affect the edible's natural flower taste and cause it to become soggy. 

Storing Cannabutter and Oil

Homemade cannabutter and oil can last up to three weeks in the fridge. But if you’re looking to only use a little, you may want to store it in the freezer instead. The beauty of cannabutter is it can be used in nearly anything, and even after being frozen for months, it never loses its richness or potency. 

The ideal storage method for this type of edible starts with wrapping it tightly in parchment paper, then 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

Storing Hometown Hero edibles has a similar process in comparison to other brands. Our Delta-8 and hemp-derived Delta-9 gummies come in airtight child-resistant packaging that can be placed in a cabinet or closet. The gummies can go in the fridge, but if you don’t have experience doing that with gummy bears in the past, then expect it to be chewy.  

The same procedure should be followed with our Delta-9 Baked Goods, such as our Cereal Bites with our Select Spectrum 1:1 blend of CBD and THC. If you expect to use it for more than a few days, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer. Since our squares are divided up into four sections, you can individually freeze each piece for future use. 

When Do Edibles Expire?

When you have edibles stored in the freezer after a few months, you may start to wonder—how long can you freeze edibles for? 

As previously stated, edibles can last for a long duration of time, but to ensure you know the day you put them in storage, make sure you write down the date. This will allow you to gauge the timeframe of its shelf life.

If you don’t have the date written down or are unsure if the edibles are still fresh, you need to identify anything that would suggest it is spoiled. Key factors to look for are appearance and smell. If you notice that it is discolored, has an unpleasant odor, or has evidence of mold, throw it away immediately.  

Takeaway

If you commonly find yourself with spoiled edibles, you won’t have to worry about them losing their freshness again by following our storage recommendations. The next time someone asks you, “Can you freeze ‘marijuana’ edibles?” Feel free to share with them all the tips you have learned.