We have all been there. You brew a pot of coffee and are not quite sure what to do with the left-over mug. Is it safe to drink the next day? Or the day after that? While the answer can vary greatly across different cups of coffee and different areas, it is always important to do your best to take necessary precautions that can ensure the safety of any left-over coffee.
First, it should be noted that most of the bacteria that might form in a cup of old coffee is not harmful as they are what are known as “spoilage” bacteria. Does that mean you can taste the bacterial growth in your beverage? Absolutely not. If it has a bad smell or taste, then it might be best to avoid drinking it.
It is important to remember that coffee is a highly perishable food item. After about an hour, it is best to heat it up again or discard it. If you choose to save it for later and put it in the refrigerator, you should do so within the first hour. This lowers the chances of the coffee turning sour and any bacterial growth, though not eliminating any risks involved.
When it comes to reheating your left-over coffee, one should be aware of their microwave’s wattage as it could greatly affect the safety of the beverage. For example, a lower wattage will not provide enough heat to actually kill bacteria, in turn making it unsafe for one to drink. In fact, reheating coffee can actually increase the level of bacteria and make the beverage even more unsafe for consumption.
Consulting experts can also be an effective way to determine the safe or unsafe range for the temperature and contents of old coffee. Acidity levels, caffeine content, and temperature should all be considered when trying to figure out whether a cup of coffee can be safely consumed. It is also important to note that anytime a pot of coffee is left in a warmer for more than twenty minutes, it might have lost some of its taste and aroma, further signifying its perishable status.
Coffee can be a very enjoyable and a refreshing beverage, but it is important to be aware of any potential risks that can come with re-consuming left-over coffee. It is best to investigate your particular situation and to ensure the safety of your decision.
Styles of Coffee
It is not just about the coffee beans themselves, but also about the type of coffee and the brewing process. Generally speaking, some styles of coffee such as instant coffee, decaf coffee and espresso tend to be safer than other styles such as French press, pour-over and cold brew.
Instant coffee is the easiest to make and usually the longest lasting. The coffee is dehydrated, thus meaning that any bacterial growth has already been killed, so it should last for up to four weeks before spoiling. Decaf coffee often has a higher pH level, which can make it less prone to bacterial growth and a longer shelf life. Espresso is also safer to keep and consume due to the high pressure and heat being used to brew the beverage, killing off any potentially harmful bacteria.
Meanwhile, French press, pour-over and cold brew can be riskier than the aforementioned types of coffee. The reason being is that they are often more time consuming and have a shorter shelf-life. The brewing process used with these three types of coffee is generally at room temperature, so smaller amounts of bacteria can often start to form after the first 24 hours.
It is important to keep in mind that all coffee has a shelf life, and that after a certain point it is best to discard the old coffee. Whether or not it spoils faster or takes longer will depend greatly on the particular style of coffee used.
Coffee Machine Care
It is also important to pay attention to how the coffee machine is cleaned and taken care of, as it can affect the safety of the beverage. When it comes to cleaning, it is best to follow the instructions provided in the manual. Most coffee machines come with a special cleaning cycle. This should be used at least once a week to ensure that the machine is clean and to help reduce any bacteria growth.
It is also important to be aware of any gaskets or seals that can collect moisture, as this can lead to the growth of bacteria. If there is any buildup, it is preferable to clean it off and to replace the gasket if necessary. This can help to ensure that the coffee that’s being brewed is not contaminated by any possible bacteria.
It is also important to consider where the coffee machine is located. An area that is near a stove or humidifier might be more likely to experience bacterial growth than one that is in a dry and cool area, so it is best to take such precautions when selecting a spot for the machine.
Overall, the brewing process and type of coffee machine should be taken into consideration when trying to figure out how to keep coffee safe for drinking or for storage. Taking good care of the machine can go a long way in preventing any bacteria from forming.
Brewing Tempurature
Temperature plays a huge role in what we consume and when it comes to coffee, it is no different. Depending on the brewing temperature, the resulting beverage can greatly vary in taste and in its safety. All coffee machines should come with control settings, and if you are in doubt about the water’s temperature, then it is always best to take a temperature reading or check with the manufacturer for instructions.
The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or 93.3 degrees Celsius. When working with specialty coffees like cold brew or pour-over, it is beneficial to stay above the ideal temperature range to ensure that the coffee is extracted properly. If the water is too hot, it can cause the coffee to extract too quickly and can leave a bitter taste.
Making sure that the temperature of your machine is up to par is especially important when using a French press. The grinds will be directly exposed to hot water, so if the temperature is too low, it can cause the grinds to become over saturated and develop a sour taste. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high it can cause the grinds to become under extracted and leave a bitter taste. Taking the time to properly adjust the temperature of your machine can be beneficial in providing the best-tasting and most safe cup of coffee.
Storing Coffee
When it comes to preserving coffee, it is important to consider how and where you are storing it. Always opt for an airtight container, as too much oxygen can quickly spoil the coffee. Darkness is also important as too much sunlight can alter the flavor of the coffee.
The freezer can also be a great place to store coffee as cold temperatures slow down bacteria growth and can help preserve the flavor. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions when doing so. Make sure that the coffee is stored in an air-tight sealed container and do not freeze it for more than three weeks. If the coffee is left too long in the freezer it can cause the flavors to be lost and the crema to become limp.
In addition to airtight containers, coffee should also not be stored in areas where there is high humidity as this can also cause bacteria to grow. It is also important to be aware of food odors, as these can be transferred to coffee and create an off-putting taste. Always make sure to store coffee away from any other food or kitchen items.
Overall, there are many different methods of how to store and maintain the safety of coffee. It is important to remember to take necessary precautions and to adhere to the instructions on how to keep your particular coffee safe for consuming or for storage.
