Can coffee go bad? Yes, coffee can deteriorate or grow mold, but not in the traditional sense. Do you know how long does coffee last? Learn how to properly store coffee to preserve its freshness and shelf life.
What Causes Coffee Beans to Go Bad?
Darkness and cool temperatures are coffee’s closest friends, so there are a few things to keep away from when keeping coffee. Beans that are not properly preserved quickly lose their high-quality flavor and freshness. These are the four worst nemeses of coffee:
1. Oxygen
Old coffee beans are a result of oxygen. When exposed to the open air, coffee beans quickly deteriorate because oxygen and coffee beans don’t get along.
2. Light
Don’t you think coffee beans that have been preserved in glass jars look lovely? But here’s the thing: Roasted coffee beans lose freshness when kept in direct light, and glass jars allow light to enter.
3. Water
Coffee beans will spoil if they are exposed to humid environments. Coffee beans should be stored in a dry, cool environment.
4. Heat
It doesn’t like heat unless coffee is being brewed, though. The beans will lose their flavor if they are heated.
How to Spot Bad Coffee
Because coffee doesn’t go bad or grow hard to tell if your coffee has gone bad based on its appearance because coffee doesn’t spoil or grow mold. Since coffee is a dry product, there isn’t much moisture for mold to grow on.
Trust your nose and taste buds to determine if your coffee is still fresh. When you drink bad coffee, the flavor is stale and has lost its delightful scent.
Risks of Drinking Bad Coffee
From the perspective of foodborne illness, coffee that is past its prime shouldn’t usually be a cause for worry if stored properly. Old coffee may not taste as wonderful as freshly brewed coffee, but it usually isn’t harmful.
Despite this, it’s still crucial to inspect coffee for deterioration before consuming it. Coffee that has gone bad and needs to be thrown out may show indicators such as mold, discoloration, or unpleasant odors.
Additionally, be cautious while drinking coffee that has creamer or milk added. To prevent bacterial growth, milk shouldn’t be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Consuming spoilt milk can up your chance of contracting a foodborne illness.
Coffee with milk or goods containing milk should therefore be drunk within two hours. After that, throw it away unless it’s refrigerated.
How Long Does Coffee Last in Different Forms?
Do coffee beans have a longer shelf life than pre-ground coffee does? Does the temperature during storage matter? How long does coffee stay fresh once brewed? Let’s dissect it. Here’s how to maximize the flavor and freshness of your beverage by being aware of how long to store it in the kitchen.
- Whole beans
The longest-lasting coffee is made from whole beans. For maximum freshness, it’s a good idea to store beans whole until brewing. Grind only the amount of beans you’ll need for brewing when grinding beans. Within three to four weeks, use whole bean coffee.
- Ground Coffee
For maximum results, grind only the quantity of coffee required each day. It’s ideal to use ground beans you’ve bought within two weeks after opening them.
- Brew Coffee
If you’re storing your coffee at room temperature, it should be eaten the same day, ideally within 12 hours after it is produced. In the refrigerator, brewed coffee can be kept for three to four days.
- Instant Coffee
Use instant coffee within two weeks of opening if you must (perhaps you’re in a pinch).
Uses for Extra Coffee That Is Getting Close to Expiration
Have some coffee grounds or beans that are about to expire that you no longer wish to brew? Try the following ideas:
Utilize used coffee grounds to make a scrub or coffee soap. To prepare a full-body scrub, combine 1/2 cup coffee grounds with 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Coffee’s antioxidants offer anti-aging properties, and caffeine also helps with cellulite reduction.
To make a coffee milkshake, combine freshly brewed coffee, milk, ice, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pour freshly brewed coffee into ice cube trays, let them freeze, and then enjoy!
Add coffee to your dessert recipes to give them a mocha taste boost. Or prepare the Traditional Italian Tiramisu from StreetSmart!
How to Store Coffee Beans Correctly?
Are you correctly storing coffee? Let’s get started on proper coffee storage now that we’ve looked at what causes coffee beans to decay.
1. Sealed coffee: Coffee should always be kept in an airtight container. It is advised to use an opaque container to prevent light from penetrating. The container should be kept in a cool, dark cabinet.
2. Make the correct amount of purchases. Avoid buying more coffee than you can consume in a few weeks. Because freshness only lasts for three to four weeks, buying too much can result in waste. Join a subscription service to learn about a world of coffee delivered fresh to your door and to put your coffee buying on autopilot.
3. Maintain low heat and humidity levels: Since cabinets often have a cooler temperature than countertops, cabinets are the best place to store coffee.
Coffee’s shelf life varies depending on its type and storage method. When determining how to keep particular types of coffee, consult this list. Also, keep in mind to look for symptoms of spoilage, especially in coffee with added milk or creamer.