Can You Drink Two Day Old Coffee?
Have you left a cup of coffee sitting for two days, and wondered if it was safe to drink? It’s a common enough occurrence in most of our lives, and gives rise to a great deal of debate among coffee afficionados.
According to a widely cited study by the National Institutes of Health, coffee can be considered safe to consume after a period of two and a half days, though with a caveat. The coffee should have been left out at room temperature, and not in a refrigerator. Put coffee in a refrigerator, and its shelf life decreases dramatically.
When considering coffee safety, texture and flavor also come into play. Two day old coffee will likely have lost some of its flavor and flavor notes, and may have become somewhat grainy in texture. Many experts, including those at the National Institutes of Health, note that coffee can begin to take on a sour or acidic note after two days, and recommend discarding such coffee, no matter its origin.
Of course, this advice applies primarily to standard blends of coffee. Depending on the beans used and the method of preparation, some cups of coffee may still be perfectly drinkable even after two days. For example, a French press brewed cup may still contain some nuances of flavor and texture after a two day period. These nuances may not, however, be something that a regular coffee drinker would enjoy, and instead might be welcomed by an experienced coffee connoisseur.
At the end of the day, determining whether or not you can safely drink two day old coffee comes down to personal preference. If you don’t mind the taste and texture of two day old coffee, and you’ve left it out at room temperature, then it may still be perfectly safe to drink.
Storage Method Effects
Where and how you store your coffee will play a major role in the shelf life of your coffee. Coffee should ideally be stored in an air-tight container in a cool place such as the refrigerator, as discussed earlier. This will extend the shelf life of the coffee significantly.
It should also be kept away from any sources of direct light, and in a place that has stable and relatively low temperatures, as too high temperatures will facilitate the degradation process. Coffee should never be left outside the fridge, as it will spoil quickly due to the heat and humidity.
Benefits of Two Day Old Coffee
While two day old coffee may not always be palatable, there are some benefits to enjoying old coffee. Cold brew coffees, such as iced coffees and espresso shots, tend to taste better when they are two days or older. In addition, two day old coffee can be used to make a cold brew concentrate which makes for a strong and refreshing brew.
Some people also prefer the taste of two day old coffee because it is less bitter, as the acids which give coffee its bitterness degrade over time. This can make two day old coffee a great option for people with sensitive stomachs or for those who don’t like the taste of overly bitter coffee.
Brewing with Two Day Old Coffee
When brewing with two day old coffee, the key is to use a gentle method of brewing, such as French Press or filter brewing. It is important to brew the coffee using low temperatures and slightly less time than usual to ensure that the coffee does not become overly acidic.
It is also important to ensure that the beans are ground properly before brewing. A coarser grind will reduce the surface area of the beans, meaning that less of the coffee’s natural oils and flavours are released into the brew. A medium to fine grind is better in this case as it will help to preserve the freshness of the coffee.
Effects on the Tasted Profile of Two Day Old Coffee
The taste of two day old coffee is often described as being ‘flat’ or ‘dull’. This is because the aromas and flavours which give coffee its unique taste degrade as the beans are exposed to air, making the coffee become less aromatic and flavourful.
The natural oils of two day old coffee will also have degraded, meaning that it won’t have the same smoothness or mouthfeel as fresh coffee. As a result, two day old coffee will often have a harsher and more acidic taste than fresh coffee.
The Benefits of Drinking Fresh Coffee
As a general rule, it’s best to drink freshly brewed coffee whenever possible. Freshly brewed coffee is packed with flavour, aroma and smoothness and it is far less likely to be overly acidic or bitter.
In addition, freshly brewed coffee can have many health benefits. Studies have shown that freshly brewed coffee can help to prevent premature ageing, reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and even improve memory and focus.
Freshly brewed coffee also has a much longer shelf life than two day old coffee and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Alternatives to Two Day Old Coffee
If you don’t want to drink two day old coffee, or if you’re looking for something with more flavour and body, there are many alternatives that you can try. Cold brew coffee is a great option for those who don’t mind a stronger flavour, as cold brew coffee has a much more robust and complex taste.
You can also try making cold coffee, which is made by adding freshly brewed coffee to ice cold water. This method has the benefit of preserving the freshness of the coffee while also making it more refreshing and enjoyable to consume. You can also try adding milk or cream to make a delicious iced coffee or latte.
Instant coffee is another great alternative to two day old coffee. Instant coffee is convenient and has a longer shelf life than two day old coffee and can be stored in an air-tight container in the pantry for months. Instant coffee can also be flavoured with milk and sugar to make it more enjoyable to drink.
