Caffeine Content and Health Benefits of Old Coffee Beans
Though many people are in the habit of changing their coffee beans every few weeks, it’s becoming increasingly popular to reuse them. Some coffee aficionados insist that old coffee beans still provide great coffee flavor and substantial health benefits, even after they’ve been used several times. Many studies have examined the issue of reusing old beans and uncovered some interesting facts.
The main factor to consider when deciding to drink old coffee beans is their caffeine content. Caffeine is not very stable in coffee and starts to break down over time. As the beans age, their caffeine levels can drop substantially. A study published by the Journal of Food Science found that the caffeine content of coffee beans decreased as much as 58% over several weeks. This means that drinking coffee from very old beans will not provide the same level of alertness associated with new coffee beans.
At the same time, some argue that old beans still have some health benefits. They point to a study from the Journal of Food Chemistry that examined the effects of oxidation on the antioxidants in coffee beans. The study showed that free radical scavenging capacity only diminished slightly even after the beans had been used multiple times. This suggests that your average cup of old coffee still packs a health punch.
Another factor to consider is the overall flavor of the coffee. Reusing the same beans over and over may result in the coffee tasting bitter and having a peculiar and unpleasant aroma. Some argue that the reason for this is due to the old beans still having a high level of tannin, a natural compound in coffee that dissolves more readily in hot water. This ultimately affects the overall flavor of the coffee.
Finally, the way you store the beans also plays a role in their lifespan. Many people keep their beans in the refrigerator thinking it will help them last longer. The truth is, the temperature fluctuations in a refrigerator can do more harm than good. The best place for storing beans is in a cool, dark place in a sealed container.
Brewing Method
The mode of brewing is another factor to consider when brewing from old beans. Since old beans have less caffeine and other compounds, choosing the wrong type of brewing method can result in a flavorless cup. For example, using an espresso machine won’t be beneficial since they are designed to produce strong cups of coffee. This means the results would be underwhelming.
On the other hand, weaker brews such as french press and pour over brewing can bring out the richer notes in the old beans. This is due to their slow and controlled brewing process, which allows for more of the flavor compounds to be extracted into the cup.
Using a paper filter to line the brewing device can also help to reduce some of the bitterness that comes with aged beans. This is because paper filters are designed to trap some of the solids in the beans, thus producing a smoother and richer flavor.
Blending Old Coffee Beans
Another way to prolong the life of old coffee beans is by blending them with freshly roasted beans. This can be done by adding a small amount of freshly roasted beans to the grinding device along with the old beans. This will allow for a balance of flavor and may even be beneficial in terms of health.
By combining the different flavor profiles of the two types of beans, you will be able to achieve desirable results without having to use too much old coffee. Another benefit of blending is that it will reduce the level of acidity, making the coffee more enjoyable to the taste.
Using a single origin coffee is one of the best ways to enhance the flavor of the old beans. Single origin coffees are produced from beans grown in the same geographical area and have unique flavor notes. When combined with an aged coffee, the single origin beans will be able to bring out subtle nuances and complex flavors.
Using Pre-Ground Old Beans
Using pre-ground coffee beans is another way to maximize the life of old coffee beans. By grinding the beans just before use, you will be able to preserve the flavor and aromas for longer. Since pre-ground coffee beans have a large surface area, they will lose flavor faster than whole beans.
However, pre-ground coffee has the advantage of being more convenient and no grinding is required. All you need to do is measure out the desired amount of beans and add them to the filter. Old coffee beans prepared in this method will still provide a strong flavor and aroma, allowing you to enjoy the same quality cup of coffee as when using fresh beans.
Other Preparation Tips
Using a thermometer to measure the water temperature can help to maximize the aroma and flavor extracted from the old beans. The optimal heat for brewing should be around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to extract the flavor compounds from the beans, but not hot enough to over extract and cause the coffee to be bitter.
Another way to boost the flavor of old beans is to store the ground coffee in an air-tight container. This will help to preserve the flavor and will also prevent the beans from absorbing any humidity or bad odors.
Lastly, avoid adding too much water to the brewing device. If the amount of water added is too high, the resulting coffee will be thin and weak. Most recipes suggest using two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water.
Effects on Environment
Apart from the health benefits and flavor, reusing old beans can also help reduce waste. The amount of coffee grounds discarded every day amounts to hundreds of millions of tons, resulting in a considerable amount of pollution. Not to mention the amount of energy wasted during production, shipping and storing.
By reusing old beans, it’s possible to reduce the amount of waste produced and help protect the environment.
The earth isn’t the only beneficiary of reusing old coffee beans. By drinking coffee from used beans, you can also save money by avoiding having to buy fresh beans every few weeks. This is especially helpful for those who drink a lot of coffee and need to restock on a regular basis.
Are Old Coffee Beans Safe to Drink?
Despite the numerous concerns that come with reusing old coffee beans, drinking coffee from them is entirely safe. It is possible to get quality flavor and health benefits from used beans, as long as they are stored, prepared and brewed properly.
However, the general consensus among coffee aficionados is that using a quality freshly roasted coffee will always produce a better tasting cup of coffee. It is still possible to obtain good results from used coffee beans, but it requires a better understanding of the brewing process and the effects aging has on coffee.
