How long can coffee sit out?
We have all had those desperate days where we end up drinking coffee that has been sitting out a little too long, even day-old coffee. You might be thinking that is disgusting, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Stale coffee tastes bad, but is it safe to drink? How long do coffee beans last before they go bad? How long can coffee sit out? These are a few of the questions that I am going to answer in this article. We know that coffee doesn’t stay good forever, but when exactly does it go from tasting bad to being bad? I did the research to bring you the answers. So, let’s get started.
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How long does coffee last?
Coffee, like other dry goods, need a cool and dry storage place. It has an expiration date printed on it. This date tells you how long you have to enjoy the coffee at its freshest and tastiest period. Once you hit the expiration date on the package, the coffee will start to get stale and the flavor starts to dissipate.
It doesn’t mean the coffee is bad, it just means it is not fresh. However, if you don’t store your coffee properly then it will start to deteriorate quicker. This is why proper storage is so important. Different types of coffee last longer after opening than others. Let’s take a look at each one.
Whole Beans
Whole beans last the longest of all of the types of coffee once the package has been opened. This is why it is highly recommended that you keep the beans whole until you are ready to brew and enjoy the taste of them. Whole beans last approximately three to four weeks, after that they will start to get stale and lose flavor.
Ground Coffee
Ground coffee is best used within two weeks of opening or being ground for the ultimate taste profile. I always recommend that you only grind the amount of coffee that you need for a week’s worth of brewed coffee. This way you always know that you are getting the freshest and most flavorful coffee in every cup you make.
Instant Coffee
Like ground coffee, instant coffee, is best used within two weeks of opening. If you like using instant coffee, I highly recommend that you get the individual packets. These last years before they expire. Plus, you will get to enjoy them right after opening.
Brewed Coffee
Brewed coffee does not last as long as the other types. Once the coffee has been brewed, you should consume it the same day. Preferably within a few hours. After that it will start to taste stale.
However, you can put any leftover in the refrigerator, and it will be good for three or four days. This allows you to extend the life of a brewed pot of coffee in a safe way. So, I guess it is okay to enjoy day-old coffee as long as you put it in the fridge.
What factors make coffee go bad?
There are a few key factors that contribute to your coffee going bad. These are the things you want to avoid when storing your coffee if you want to keep them fresh and flavorful for a long time. The factors include:
Oxygen
Oxygen is definitely not good for coffee beans. This is why it is so important to store your coffee in an airtight container. Coffee beans don’t last long when they are mixed with oxygen. Within a few days the beans will go stale. If you want to keep your beans fresh and long-lasting then make sure you store them properly.
Light
Another factor that speeds up the process of coffee going bad is light. It is important that you don’t keep your coffee in a clear or transparent container.
Heat
Coffee doesn’t do well with heat. You should always store your coffee in a cool place until you are ready to brew it. This will keep them fresh for far longer period of time.
Moisture
Moisture will also adversely affect your coffee beans. You want to ensure that they are not stored in a humid environment. They should always be in a dry place to keep them fresh. Once the coffee gets wet it will go bad quickly. Out of all of the factors, this one will negatively impact your coffee the fastest.
How to Store Coffee Beans Properly
There are several steps you can take to keep your coffee fresh and full of flavor for a long time. They include:
- Store your coffee in an opaque, airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags. This will help to keep both light and oxygen from ruining your coffee.
- Keep your coffee stored in a dry, cool place. If you want to retain the flavor and freshness of your coffee, then keep it away from moisture and heat.
As you can see, it is not that difficult to store your coffee properly. Just find the right space and use a proper container and you are good to go. These steps should help you to keep your coffee fresh until its expiration date. Then it will start to go stale no matter how you store it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my coffee is bad?
It is pretty easy to tell if your coffee has started to go bad or expired. You can tell that the coffee has gone stale because it won’t have much of an aroma. If it has lost its smell, then it has also lost its flavor.
While it is still safe to drink, it won’t taste very good. However, if it starts to smell bad or you see any signs of mold, you need to toss it immediately. This coffee is not safe to drink and will make you sick.
Why does coffee turn bitter?
Once you brew your coffee, it continues to oxidize even after it is done. If you let it sit too long in the pot, then it will turn stale and bitter on you. Another cause is over-extraction. This is why it is important that you don’t grind your coffee beans too small.
You want your coffee grinds to be a decent size and to brew your coffee for the proper amount of time. If you can’t drink all of your brewed coffee at once, then you should store it in an airtight container such as a thermos.
Can I freeze coffee beans?
Many people think that if you freeze your coffee beans in a freezer that they will last longer. However, this is not entirely true. When you freeze your coffee beans and then thaw them later you will discover that some of the freshness and flavor has been lost.
This is because they age faster and begin to go stale at a quicker rate. It is best to store your coffee in a cool, dry place inside of a sealed, airtight container. This is the best way to store your beans.
How long does brewed coffee in the fridge last?
Once your coffee is brewed you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. However, it is best to drink it within three or four days. After that it will start to go stale and not taste as good. Be sure to keep it covered, so that it doesn’t absorb the tastes and smells of the other products in your fridge.
How long can coffee with milk sit out?
According to the FDA, milk should not sit out for more than two hours. For this reason, the same should be said for coffee with milk in it. If you plan to drink the rest of the brewed coffee at a later time, then be sure to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh and safe to consume.
Can I drink day old coffee?
If you have kept the coffee in the fridge then it is safe to drink. However, if it has been sitting out on the counter overnight, I don’t recommend it. While it may still be safe to drink, it won’t taste very good.
If you are really desperate and need a boost of caffeine, then you want to smell the coffee. If it smells rancid, then throw it out. But, if it smells fine, then you can drink it just know it will taste stale. However, if it has milk in it then you cannot drink it unless it has been stored in the fridge. No matter how desperate you are for a cup of coffee, it is not worth getting sick over it.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to store your coffee properly, you shouldn’t have to worry about drinking stale coffee anymore. Different types of coffee last longer than others. However, all of them do well stored in the same manner.
Just place your coffee in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry spot. If you have leftover brewed coffee keep it in the fridge so you can enjoy it later. There is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee with each cup you brew.
Related Articles:
Does Coffee Expire? (and Is It Safe to Drink?)
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Common Myths About Decaf Coffee You Probably Believe
