Coffee Bean Quality
Coffee beans are known to be a great source of flavour containing essential oils, proteins and soluble carbohydrates, which make up a great café experience. For this reason, when it comes to making a big difference in the quality of leftover coffee, the types of beans used is essential. Not all beans that make up the coffee blend are meant to be reused. When considering whether one can drink leftover coffee, it is important to determine if it had the right quality. Quality measures such as bitterness levels, acidity and flavour should be compared to the original cup.
Storage Conditions
In order to make sure that the quality of the coffee is retained, proper storage conditions have to be considered. Coffee is a highly affected by oxidation and moisture, so when storing for later use, keep it away from air and moisture. It’s also well-advised to not store coffee for a prolonged time – for better taste, it is recommended to use it within one to two days. There are special containers designed for keeping leftovers that help in retaining its quality and flavour.
The Best Brewing Method
The way left over coffee is brewed is just as important as the storage conditions. Heat and time play a vital role in achieving a quality cup. It is recommended to heat the coffee up to a temperature close to 92 degrees Celsius. It can also be turned into espresso since this method helps with the extraction process and therefore gives a better outcome.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Drinking leftover coffee can be beneficial to our bodies in many ways. It contains a wide range of antioxidants and is known to help with mental alertness. In addition, caffeine helps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cancer. However, drinking large amounts of coffee can have some side effects, such as insomnia or headaches, so it is best to consult a doctor before consuming any kinds of drinks.
Controversy About Coffee
There are still debates about whether it is safe to drink leftover coffee or not. Some experts argue that it can be dangerous because of contamination from the day before or because of bacteria build-up. Others argue that coffee is able to withstand certain bacteria and can, therefore, be safe for consumption.
Environmental Considerations
It is also important to point out that when opting for a cup of leftover coffee, it helps to reduce the amount of waste created. This trend is especially true for café businesses who, while having to regularly dispose of some left-over coffee, can still reduce their environmental impact and use those unfinished coffees again.
Frugal Habits
Aside from its environmental advantages, drinking leftover coffee is a great way to uphold frugal habits. Although it might not offer the same flavour and quality of a freshly brewed cup, it still provides some energy and helps to save money. After all, one of the main reasons to drink coffee, for many people, is as a pick-me-up to tackle the tasks of the day – something that a cup of recycled coffee can still give you.
Drinking Temperature
The temperature one consumes leftover coffee at is also important to consider. Reheating coffee in a microwave will destroy its flavour and some of its properties. If it needs to be heated up, it is better to do it on the stove and never let it reach boiling temperature.
Economical Benefits
For café owners, the use of leftover coffee has a lot of economic advantages. By using leftovers and wasted coffee, businesses are able to reduce costs and eliminate the need for extra coffee-making apparatuses. Moreover, coffee beans that are left over can be donated to local shelters and food organizations, helping to tackle food waste.
Personal Preference
It is also worth noting that some people may have strong preferences for freshly made coffee and would always opt for that one. The fact that coffee can be rather temperamental means that a cup of coffee made the day before is likely to lose some of its characteristics and therefore not be suitable for those who prefer to be able to tell the difference in the flavour of their brew.
Do Your Research
When it comes down to it, there is no absolute answer on whether or not leftover coffee can be consumed. It depends on the quality of the beans, the storage conditions, and the method of brewing. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether they want to take the risk or not. It is always best to do your research and determine whether the cup of coffee you are about to drink is safe or not. Furthermore, it is worth noting that professional baristas can help consumers better understand the characteristics of their brew, which can make the decision a lot easier.
