From Bean to Freeze-Dried Coffee: Our Collaboration with All Weather Foods

At Full Keel Coffee, we’re always looking for ways to make great coffee more accessible-whether you're traveling, camping, sailing, or simply in need of a quick cup without brewing equipment. That’s what led us to collaborate with a local business doing something delicious and convenient: freeze drying coffee.

We partnered with All Weather Foods, a small business based in the Ashland area, to turn our coffee into a convenient freeze-dried instant format while maintaining the flavor and quality our customers expect.

Meet Claire from All Weather Foods

All Weather Foods is run by Claire Grande, who began experimenting with freeze drying right at home.

“Hi, my name is Claire Grande. I live in the Ashland area and I have been freeze drying since 2020. My family initially bought a freeze dryer to preserve our apple and garden harvest. I started freeze drying different foods to see how they turn out.”

What started as a way to preserve homegrown food quickly grew into something more.

“In 2024 we built a certified kitchen and I started selling freeze dried fruit, cheese, and meals on my website and through other local stores. Which led to working with Full Keel Coffee to freeze dry their delicious coffee.”

What Is Freeze Drying?

Freeze drying is a preservation process that removes water from food while maintaining its structure, flavor, and nutrients.

The process works by first freezing the food and then slowly removing the water through a process called lyophilization, where ice turns directly into vapor under low heat and vacuum conditions.

Because freeze drying keeps temperatures relatively low—never exceeding about 125°F—the food retains more of its natural nutrients and enzymes compared to traditional dehydration methods.

Turning Fresh Coffee Into Instant Convenience

Through this collaboration, we’re able to transform freshly brewed Full Keel Coffee into a lightweight freeze-dried format that’s incredibly easy to use. Just add water and you have a rich, smooth cup ready in seconds.

The result is our Stowaway Instant Coffee—perfect for travel, camping, early mornings on the water, or those moments when you need great coffee in a pinch.

Working with another local producer who shares our passion for quality and craftsmanship makes this project even more special.

As Claire puts it:

“I hope you enjoy eating freeze dried food as much as I like making it!”

And we hope you enjoy drinking it as much as we enjoyed creating it.