Can I Drink Coffee from Yesterday?
Most of us enjoy a daily cup of coffee, yet how should we handle the cooked coffee leftovers from the previous day? It is believed that reheating a brewed coffee results in an unpleasant taste, but let’s look closely into the matter.
Firstly, it is important to know how coffee beans are treated in order to create coffee. The beans are roasted to generate thousands of flavor compounds, including oils and acids, which determine a great deal of coffee’s flavor. These compounds break down gradually when exposed to oxygen and heat, resulting in a less flavorful cup of coffee.
For those of us who prefer not to waste coffee, there are several ways to enjoy the leftovers. Commonly, coffee can be stored in the fridge overnight and reheated the following day. Although the taste of the coffee differs slightly, the difference is usually minor, as the coffee still retains its flavor.
Additionally, even when refrigerated, the coffee’s flavor continues to break down with time, so it is best to consume it within 24 hours of brewing. Another option would be to freeze the coffee, but experts advise against it, as it is impossible to determine when each flavor compound will hit its peak of flavor.
Furthermore, for those of us who don’t mind sacrificing some flavor for convenience, some coffee shops offer ready-to-drink coffee that doesn’t require heating or reheating. This is achieved by pasteurizing it within containers that are sealed and air-free.
Interestingly, some coffee shops use special containers to preserve the coffee and keep it hot for up to 12 hours. One example is Zojirushi, an invention that offers temperatures between 80-90 degrees Celsius to maintain coffee quality and flavor.
Although researching the issue of coffee quality requires a deeper insight, we can conclude that with the right strategy, enjoying coffee leftovers is possible.
Storage Tips
When storing coffee leftovers, there are some tips to consider. Firstly, to preserve the flavor, never leave it at room temperature. Before storing it in the refrigerator, have it cooled down on the counter for at least 15 minutes as placing hot coffee in a cold refrigerator promotes condensation.
Second, it is advised to store the coffee in a container that is airtight and made of materials that don not absorb the coffee’s flavor, such as glass, plastic, and ceramic. To maximize freshness, experts suggest keeping the container as far from foods with strong odors as possible.
Thirdly, it is best to store the coffee as quickly as possible and use it as soon as one can. To ensure an enjoyable taste, experts suggest consuming the coffee within 48 hours of having it brewed.
Finally, another way to enjoy coffee leftovers is to use them for other drinks, such as iced coffee, cold brew, or simply adding them to milkshakes.
Health Benefits
Apart from flavor, there are other factors to consider when evaluating whether or not we should drink coffee from yesterday. As it turns out, coffee is full of beneficial ingredients and these don’t change when the coffee has been brewed for some time.
For instance, coffee contains several antioxidants that help protect the body from disease and aging. The antioxidants are able to fight against free radicals that can damage cells, reduce inflammation, and help in preventing cancer and other serious diseases. Coffee also contains caffeine, which is known to improve concentration, memory, and alertness, while helping us to stay awake. Furthermore, it can also reduce pain and depression.
Coffee is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as riboflavin, magnesium, niacin, and pantothenic acid, to name a few. Additionally, by drinking coffee, we help our body with the digestion and absorption of important nutrients and minerals.
Finally, coffee is a superb energizing beverage that helps us to stay energetic and active during the day, helping us to perform our daily tasks.
Side Effects
Although coffee consumption offers several benefits, it is important to note that drinking coffee from yesterday might come with negative side effects. Regular coffee consumption can affect our physical and mental health if taken in excess. Firstly, coffee can increase our blood pressure and heart rates, thus increasing the risk of hypertension. Furthermore, it can also result in headaches, nervousness, and even insomnia.
Coffee can also cause dehydration and increase production of stress hormones. Additionally, caffeine has diuretic effects, meaning that it can make us pee more often. And, finally, caffeine can also make it difficult to relax and fall asleep, so it is best to drink coffee earlier in the day in order to avoid the undesirable side effects.
Alternatives
Because not everyone enjoys coffee or likes to drink it from yesterday, there are alternatives available. On the one hand, herbal tea is a great option for those wanting to reduce their caffeine intake, as it contains natural compounds that support our health, but with none of the unpleasant side effects.
On the other hand, water is an excellent substitute for coffee, as it hydrates the body while ditching the caffeine. Furthermore, consuming water throughout the day can promote weight loss, help with digestion, increase energy levels, and even clear our skin acne.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking coffee from yesterday can be a great way to save time and money, as long as we store and reheat it correctly. Being mindful of its potential health risks, we should also consider alternatives such as herbal teas and plain water if needed.
