Coffee Shelf Life and Storage
When food or drinks are stored and exposed to elements, they tend to lose quality over time. Coffee is one of these beverages and keeping it fresh for prolonged useful can be a challenge. Different types of storage can help you extend it up to a certain point. If you are a caffeine addict and you purchase coffee from Starbucks, you obviously want to know how long does Starbucks coffee last and how to best store it for optimal flavor and life.
The recommended Starbucks coffee shelf life is 7-9 days after opening. However, if the beans or ground coffee are stored properly, they can last up to 4-6 weeks. Oxygen, light, heat and humidity can deteriorate the freshness and quality of the coffee, so proper storage is very important.
To maximize the life of your Starbucks coffee, experts advise buying whole beans and grinding them just before use. This will preserve the flavor and ensure a fresh flavor that can be enjoyed in every cup. If you prefer pre-ground coffee, purchase small amounts at a time and store it in an opaque and airtight container. Avoid the paper packaging because it does not protect the flavors efficiently. If your house is humid, store it in the fridge, but don’t freeze it as it can damage the taste.
It is also important to protect coffee from light. Use stainless steel tins, vacuumed seal bags or ceramic cans to store it in order to maintain its flavor for longer. If you have stored it in a bag and you spot any oil on the package, it means that its quality has been compromised and you should discard the coffee.
In general, roasted ground coffee should be kept in an airtight container in a cool and dark place, like a kitchen cabinet. Refrigeration can be used, but take care to use an airtight and non-porous container. High humidity levels or direct contact with the fridge will make the coffee stale faster. Moreover, if it’s in the fridge, bring it to room temperature before use or grinding, since the coffee absorbs moisture and odors in the fridge.
Brewing with Fresh Coffee
Brewing a great cup of coffee requires fresh and good quality ingredients. The optimal time for making a great coffee out of a pre-ground Starbucks coffee is to use it within a week of grounding it. After the 7 day period, the coffee will start to lose its flavor.
When you buy whole beans, grind them just before you are about to prepare the coffee for optimal flavor and aroma. A quality coffee grinder can make the grind coarser or finer, as you prefer. Additionally, you can use de-gassing valve bags to store ground coffee in order to regulate the released CO2 during storage.
Using fresh coffee will has been found to enhance the flavors of the overall cup while using stale ones will result in a bad-tasting cup. It is recommended to use between 7 to 14 grams of ground coffee for each 120 milliliters of water.
Determining Coffee Freshness
There are a few easy ways you can determine if your coffee is still fresh. First and foremost, is to check the expiration date on the package. The expired roasted coffee should be discarded and not used. Secondly, you can trust your senses. The fragrance of coffee is an excellent indicator that the coffee is fresh. If you notice that there is no more aroma and the coffee just smells like dry cardboard, it is time to buy a new batch.
Another way you can determine if the coffee is still fresh is to check the color. Freshly ground coffee should be black and have a shiny texture. If you are in doubt, taste a bit of the coffee. If you notice that it is no longer single flavored but has hints of bitter and acidity, it means that it is no longer fit for making a great-tasting cup.
Alternatives to Stale Coffee
If you are left with stale coffee, it doesn’t mean there is no way to use it. Stale-tasting coffee can be used as an alternative to store-bought grounds for your gardening. This can save you money while you fertilize your soils with the potential nutrients within espresso grounds. You could also use Starbucks coffee to give flavor to other homemade products, such as muffins, cakes, brownies and ice cream. It is also possible to recycle stale coffee and make a potting mix for new seedlings.
Freezing is also an alternative, but it should be the last resort because it will affect the taste of the coffee when thawed. Store the beans in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Once you are ready to use the beans, allow them to thaw and reach the room temperature, and then grind them.
Conclusion
Starbucks coffee is a great option for those looking for a special experience in their cup. However, to ensure the full flavor and nutritive value, it’s important to pay attention to the storage, grinding and preparation. Time also plays a big role and by making sure you’re storing your beans in the ideal environment, you can enjoy your favorite coffee for weeks after opening the bag.
