Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It’s widely consumed for its energizing effects and incomparable flavor. But what happens to coffee if it is left out overnight? Is it still safe to drink or should you discard it?
Although it is not immediately hazardous to your health, ingesting coffee that has been left out overnight will not give you the same energizing effects or taste. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) states that coffee’s active ingredients are degraded in as little as thirty minutes when exposed to room temperature. With prolonged exposure and cooling, the further breakdown of its chemical properties can lead to a sour or acidic taste.
Most health organizations advise discarding coffee that has been left out unrefrigerated for over twelve hours. The USDA warns that coffee can spoil easily when exposed to oxygen and moisture, even if it is stored in an airtight container. When coffee has been left out overnight, bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses may rapidly multiply and cause spoilage. The risk of contamination increases with each passing hour. Moreover, the taste and quality of the coffee may not be good, regardless of whether or not it is safe to consume.
It’s not just the taste and quality of coffee that may be altered if it has been left out overnight; the nutritional content can also be significantly altered. According to the Clinical Nutrition Center (CNC), antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals drop significantly once coffee is left unrefrigerated. However, some studies suggest that cold-brew coffee may have a longer shelf life than regular coffee.
If coffee is left out overnight and still appears safe to consume, experts recommend boiling it to remove microbial agents. Be sure to throw it away if it has been left out for more than twenty-four hours or has acquired a spoilt odor or taste.
Coffee Maker
If you are looking for a foolproof way to ensure your coffee stays fresh for a longer time, investing in a coffee maker is the best way. Coffee makers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, from basic models to more advanced models that can be programmed to make coffee on demand. While selecting a coffee maker, make sure to look for one with an air-tight seal that minimizes oxygen exposure.
When using a coffee maker, it’s important to use fresh, clean water and high-quality coffee beans. Begin the brewing process by filling the coffee maker with cold water. Place a coffee filter in the basket and add the desired amount of freshly ground coffee to it. Switch on the machine and let it brew. Once the brewing process is finished, it’s best to consume the coffee immediately.
Storing Coffee
When it comes to storing coffee, the key is to make sure it stays fresh as long as possible. To avoid oxidation, it’s recommended to store coffee in an opaque, air-tight container. Refrigeration of coffee beans is not advised because the moisture and condensation can alter the taste and texture of the beans.
It’s also recommended to store the coffee in a cool, dry place; a kitchen cabinet or pantry is ideal. It’s best to avoid storing it in the fridge as the humidity and odors of other foods can alter the flavor and taste of the coffee. Lastly, it’s best to grind the coffee beans just before brewing for optimal flavor.
Types of Coffee
For an even greater flavorful cup of coffee, it’s important to consider the types of beans that are available in the market. The two most sought-after types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are renowned for their subtle, sweet, and fruity flavors whereas Robusta beans have a slightly bitter and nutty texture. Some connoisseurs also enjoy the flavor and texture of specialty beans such as kopi luwak beans, which are made by wild cats in Indonesia.
No matter the type of beans, the important factor when choosing coffee beans is that the beans used should be fresh. Opt for organic, fair-trade, and shade-grown beans whenever possible as they are better for the environment and often result in a more flavorful cup of coffee.
Reheating Coffee
It’s possible to reheat coffee that was left out overnight, but the taste may not be as good as fresh, cold-brewed coffee. To reheat coffee that has already been brewed, the best option is to use a stovetop or microwave. When using a microwave-safe container, be sure to heat the coffee for no more than 15 seconds at a time, stirring it in between to make sure it heats evenly. If using the stovetop, bring the coffee almost to a boil before pouring it into your cup.
Even with reheating, keeping your coffee warm for too long may have a detrimental effect on its flavor. To avoid this, it’s best to consume the coffee immediately after reheating. If you don’t plan to finish the coffee immediately, it’s recommended to leave the cup uncovered so excess moisture doesn’t gather inside.
Benefits of Coffee
Apart from being a delicious and energizing drink, coffee has many health benefits. Regular consumption of coffee can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. It can also improve mental performance, reduce anxiety, and help improve physical performance. A healthy cup of morning coffee can power up your day as it helps promote alertness, focus, and vigilance.
In particular, dark roasted coffee is a great source of antioxidants and can be beneficial for the immune system. According to the National Coffee Association, research shows that people who drink three or more cups of coffee a day may have a lower risk of several serious health issues. Additionally, one study suggests that coffee can even help protect the liver from diseases such as cirrhosis.
Just remember, like most food items, moderation is the key. Too much caffeine can lead to your body becoming dependent on it and can even result in insomnia, headaches, and irritability. Therefore, it’s recommended to not exceed the daily limit of six cups of coffee. If you do decide to drink coffee that’s been left out overnight, be sure to boil it or discard it if it has been left out for more than twenty-four hours.
Switching to Decaffeinated Coffee
For those who are looking for a caffeine-free alternative to their morning cup of joe, switching to decaffeinated coffee is the best option. Decaffeinated coffee is a great way to enjoy a soothing cup of coffee without the adverse effects of the caffeine. The decaffeination process removes close to 97% of the caffeine from the beans.
Decaffeinated coffee is just as flavorful as regular coffee, although some connoisseurs say that its aroma and taste are slightly more mellow. Decaffeinated coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold as desired. However, it’s important to keep in mind that decaffeinated coffee can still contain some caffeine. The quantity will depend on the brand and type of decaffeinated coffee beans used.
DIY Cold Brew Coffee
If you want to stay away from the adverse health effects of heat, one great way to enjoy a cup of coffee is to make a cold brew. Preparing cold brew is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. All you need is one cup of ground coffee, four cups of cold water, a mason jar, and a strainer. Begin by adding the grounds to the mason jar and then pour the cold water over it.
The next step is to stir the grounds and cold water together. Close the lid of the jar and allow the mixture to steep for 12-24 hours. Afterward, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture. Once the cold brew is ready, it can be served over ice with cream or milk.
If you’re someone who’s looking to switch to healthier options, cold brew is a great choice. Since cold brew doesn’t use heat to extract the flavors and caffeine, it has fewer acidic compounds than regular coffee. This makes cold brew easier to digest and much gentler on the stomach.
