When it comes to coffee, convenience can sometimes come at a cost to its taste and possibly our health. While not all day old coffee is necessarily harmful to our health, it’s possible there could be some drawbacks to drinking coffee that has been sitting out for too long. Many times people are drinking coffee with milk and sugars added, so this can significantly decrease the shelf life of coffee when left open or in its French press for an extended period of time.
For starters, day old coffee does pose some downsides for your health as certain warm temperatures tend to promote the growth of bacteria and especially in food sensitive areas like coffee. According to gastroenterologist Dr. Tidal Rana from Florida, “Day old coffee can be a food hazard, as it can form bacteria that can lead to food poisoning and other adverse effects.”
Not only can day old coffee potentially be hazardous to your health, but it can also cause a significant decrease in flavor and aroma. Coffee beans are made of oils, when exposed to air, these oils quickly oxidize and cause the beans to lose flavor, aroma and also its ability to keep fresh longer. This is why unopened coffee beans are sold in foam or plastic bag that are styled to minimize air exposure.
Also, depending on what type of beans the coffee has been made from, the impact of aging can be quite different because some coffee beans tend to last longer than others. For example, darker roast beans tend to contain less oils and excessive heat during the roasting process breaks down some of the desirable compounds in the bean. Some coffee connoisseurs advocate for lighter roasts as these contain more desirable compounds and generally will maintain better flavor qualities than dark roasts.
Additionally, the brewing environment can also affect the taste and quality of the coffee, especially when it comes to day old coffee. Improper hygiene, leaving the pot of coffee on for too long and not incorporating a strict cleaning schedule can all contribute to the degradation of flavor. Additionally, storing brewed coffee in plastic or metal containers may expedite the loss of optimal flavor.
Brewers have been dealing with the issue of aging coffee since the dawn of time. Since day old coffee can start to go bad, they’ve had to find ways to combat this issue. Hot brewing techniques have been found to increase the life of coffee, while cold brewing techniques have been found to be the most effective method for extending the shelf life of coffee.
In conclusion, although not all day old coffee is necessarily bad for you, it does present potential drawbacks in terms of health and flavor. Therefore, it is important to be mindful and practice the proper preparation, storage and brewing techniques in order to maintain optimal flavor and palatability from day old coffee.
The factors of stale coffee
Stale coffee can be a result of poor storage, oxidation and the passage of time. Different types of coffees will hold different levels of flavor and aroma, but any kind of coffee that has been exposed to the elements will eventually go stale. Heat, light and oxygen are just some of the elements that can cause coffee to go stale. Additionally, the age and quality of the beans can also contribute to a cup of day old coffee becoming undesirable to consume. Generally, in order for coffee to taste its best, it should be consumed as soon as possible.
Brewing methods for day old coffee
When it comes to dealing with day old coffee, the brewing method can make all the difference. While traditionally brewed coffee tend to degrade the flavor in day old coffee, other brewing methods can actually help to retain the flavor for a little bit longer. Cold brew and pour-over systems tend to be the best choice for day old coffee, as they are more gentle and generally require less finesse than hot brewing methods.
Coffee storage tips
When it comes to storing coffee, keeping it in its original packaging is the best practice. Coffee should be stored in an airtight container that is located in a dry, cool place. Storing coffee in anything other than airtight containers can prematurely cause the coffee to go stale. Additionally, storing coffee in the refrigerator can also cause it to go stale as the change of temperature can cause the oils in the bean to break down faster.
What to do when coffee goes stale
When coffee does go stale, it is best to make sure that it is discarded immediately. Overconsumption of day old coffee can be a potential health hazard and can cause cholesterol, digestion and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, if coffee has been sitting for too long, it is best to avoid consuming it, as the quality and flavor has been compromised.
