The debate about drinking day-old coffee is nothing new But what many don’t know is that if stored correctly, day-old coffee can be just as good – if not better – than the freshly brewed stuff. That said, drinking coffee the day after it’s made can be a hit or miss situation. So, what makes it safe to drink and is there any scientific proof to back it up?
Good news: there is evidence that drinking day-old coffee has some benefits, as it provides more antioxidants than freshly-made brew. A study has shown that, compared to coffee consumed right away, drinking coffee one day later boosted antioxidants. The study suggested that the process of steeping coffee beans allowed the body to absorb more of their nutrients – including the good stuff such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, day-old coffee tastes smoother because the tannic acids have time to interact.
That being said, coffee that’s been sitting out overnight or exposed to oxygen or sunlight for a long period of time can make you ill. Robusta coffee is more resistant to spoiling due to its higher levels of caffeine content and caffeine is a natural antibiotic, so if you plan on drinking coffee from the day before, it’s a good idea to get a good quality one. The same goes for cold-brewed coffee, which is known to be far more resistant to contamination than drip or espresso.
If you plan on drinking coffee from the day before, storing it in the correct way is absolutely essential. Coffee must be stored in a sealed container that’s air-tight and kept in a cold, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Leaving the container half-open can cause the coffee to lose its flavor and become stale, and any light exposure can cause it to turn bitter.
Another thing to take into account is the temperature of the coffee. Research has shown that coffee is most often perishable within 6-12 hours, so you should make sure to drink it while it’s still hot or refrigerate it to preserve its flavor and aroma. If you’re storing coffee overnight, make sure to chill it in the fridge immediately after brewing.
So, can you drink coffee from the day before? In short, with the right storing techniques and quality coffee, the answer is yes. The evidence suggests that day-old coffee not only has its own distinct flavor profile but is also packed with antioxidants and minerals. So, go ahead and enjoy it – just be sure to refrigerate it correctly so you don’t make yourself sick!
Benefits of Day-Old Coffee
While drinking coffee that’s been sitting for a whole day can make some people wary, there are advantages to drinking this type of brew. For starters, day-old coffee is known to be smoother and less acidic, making it easier to tolerate for those who don’t normally enjoy the taste of regular coffee.
Day-old coffee is also known to be richer in antioxidants than freshly-brewed coffee and can increase the amount of Vitamin B and enzymes available to your body too. This can make day-old coffee a better choice for those who are looking to get the utmost nutritional value from the coffee they consume, as it can provide more beneficial compounds and nutrients than freshly-brewed coffee.
Last but not least, drinking day-old coffee can be better for the environment. By making use of coffee that you already have instead of brewing fresh coffee every day, you’re not only minimizing waste but also conserving energy and resources – which is always a good thing.
How to Store Day-Old Coffee
The most important step when it comes to storing day-old coffee is to make sure that it’s completely sealed. Once the coffee has been brewed, it should be transferred to an air-tight container that’s free of any light exposure and stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. It’s also important to refrigerate any day-old coffee immediately after brewing in order to preserve its flavor and nutrition profile.
The shelf life of day-old coffee is relatively short, so it’s important to drink it within 6-12 hours of brewing in order to get the most out of its flavor and nutrition. You should also avoid reheating coffee that’s been sitting for more than 12 hours as it can easily spoil and lead to food-borne illness.
Top Quality Coffee
When it comes to drinking day-old coffee, quality is key. It’s important to make sure the coffee you’re buying has been stored correctly and is free from any strange odors or flavors, as high-quality coffee is more resistant to spoiling and contamination than low-quality, pre-ground blends. If you buy whole-bean, expect to get around 1-2 months worth of high-quality, shelf-stable coffee.
If quality isn’t an issue, cold-brew coffee is your best bet. This type of coffee is far more resistant to contamination than drip or espresso and can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator with no quality loss. Cold-brewed coffee also has its own unique flavor profile and can provide a rich, full-bodied brew that tastes great even after its been sitting for a few days.
Practicing Safe Coffee Drinking
Even with proper storage, drinking coffee from the day before isn’t without risks. If you’re unsure about the quality of the coffee you’re about to drink, it’s always a good idea to discard it and brew a fresh batch instead. Food poisoning isn’t worth the risk so if in doubt, throw it out!
If you’re going to drink coffee from the day before, it’s also important to take note of how it tastes and smells. If there are any weird flavors or odors coming from the coffee, chances are it’s gone bad.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to cover your food and drinks if you’re planning on storing them for more than a day. This includes coffee, as a cover will help to keep the flavor, aroma, and nutrition intact. It will also help to protect the coffee from the surrounding environment, ensuring that it stays fresh and safe to drink.
Can Coffee Become Toxic After Sitting Out?
The short answer is that, yes, coffee can become toxic if it’s left sitting out for too long. When coffee is exposed to sunlight and oxygen, it can release certain harmful compounds known as volatile compounds. These compounds can make coffee taste bitter and cause it to become more acidic, as sunlight and air cause coffee beans to start breaking down.
Thankfully, it takes a lot of exposure for this to happen and coffee will have to be sitting out for a long time before it becomes toxic. Additionally, robusta coffee is more resistant to spoiling due to its higher levels of caffeine content. So, if you’re making robusta coffee, you’ll be safe from any harmful compounds as long as you store it correctly and drink it within a reasonable amount of time.
Brewed vs. Pre-Ground Coffee
When it comes to drinking coffee from the day before, pre-ground coffee is usually not the best choice. Pre-ground coffee can go stale quickly and has very little resistance to contaminants, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re looking for a good cup of day-old coffee.
Brewed coffee, on the other hand, is much more resistant to contamination and can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator as long as it’s stored in an air-tight container. Brewed coffee also releases more antioxidants when it’s allowed to steep for a few hours, making it a better choice for those who are looking for a really nutritious cup of coffee.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee from the day before is not only possible but can also offer some benefits if done correctly. By storing the coffee correctly and only drinking it if it’s within a reasonable time frame, day-old coffee can provide more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than freshly-brewed coffee. Plus, it’s also a good way to minimize waste and conserve energy.
