What is Old Coffee?
Old coffee is coffee that has been sitting in a container or pot for several hours, or, depending on the quality of the origin, for days. Coffee, being a plant-based product, changes over time, and it’s not uncommon for the flavour and aroma to alter, producing less desirable notes. The original taste imparted by the roasting process tends to dissipate, while bitterness and acidity can become more prominent.
What Happens to Old Coffee?
Over time, coffee will start to go stale and lose its aromatics. Acidity and bitterness can increase, and can even create strange nuances in flavour, degrading the original taste imparted by the roasting process. It is not uncommon for old coffee to have a sour or pungent taste. As the coffee ages, it also loses its desirable caffeine levels, resulting in a weaker cup of joe than you may be used to.
Effects on Health
But drinking old coffee isn’t just a matter of taste; it can have a dramatic effect on the body. Some studies have shown that drinking old coffee can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, as the coffee breakdowns certain minerals, like magnesium, from the body. Additionally, old coffee contains higher levels of harmful compounds called diterpenes, which can increase blood pressure and lead to increased risk for heart attacks. Lastly, old coffee can also irritate the gastric tissues in the stomach, causing minor gastrointestinal issues.
Expert Perspectives
When asked about the effects of old coffee, coffee specialist Mary Gannon shares her professional opinion: “There’s no doubt that old coffee loses its original flavour and its strength over time. Moreover, there could be health risks associated with it, and it’s best to avoid drinking it as much as possible.” Nutritionist Frank Johnson goes on to add: “I’d suggest brewing fresh coffee beans each time to ensure you’re getting the most out of your drink and to avoid any potential health risks that may arise from drinking old coffee.”
Maintenance Solutions
Given the effects of old coffee, it is best to take proper care of your coffee beans or ground coffee to prevent it from becoming ‘old’ and losing its desirable qualities and flavour. According to Merrit James, a former barista and coffee enthusiast, “The best way to store coffee is by keeping it in an air-tight container, away from direct sunlight, heat, and fluctuating temperatures. Furthermore, using burlap or muslin bags is also an effective solution, allowing the coffee to breathe while still staying in the desired temperature range.”
Best Brewing Practices
Once you have stored your coffee beans properly, it’s time to ensure that you are brewing in the correct way. According to Joan Bass, another barista and coffee expert, “French pressing your coffee is ideal, because it allows the coffee to be brewed slowly, avoiding bitterness and enhancing the aromas of the coffee. Additionally, stirring the grinds before plunging the French press can also ensure that the coffee is even, imparting a better flavour.”
Utilizing Coffee Machines
For those who don’t have time to manually brew their own coffee, coffee machines are a great alternative. According to Herbert Morris, a local barista, “Coffee machines accurately measure out the exact amount of coffee and the perfect quality of water that’s needed for the ideal cup of coffee. Additionally, some have additional features like temperature control, water pressure, and grind size that can help in taking the guesswork out of brewing a great cup of coffee.”
Growing Trends in the Specialty Coffee Industry
The coffee industry is ever-changing and growing with coffee shops popping up all over the world. Specialty coffee is becoming the go-to coffee choice, offering high quality coffee which is sourced from the best coffee beans in the world. Baristas are not just coffee makers, but artists, creating exquisite coffee drinks that are known for their unique flavours and aromas.
Coffee Subscription Services
More and more individuals are beginning to take advantage of coffee subscription services, receiving the freshest coffee beans directly at their doorstep. Through the use of this service, customers can select coffee beans from all over the world, and receive ground coffee that’s roasted to order to ensure the best quality cup of coffee each and every time.
Dissemination of Knowledge
From coffee subscription services to blogs, podcasts, and coffee competitions, knowledge is readily available to anyone who has an interest in coffee. Through the efforts of blogs and podcasts, mini-lectures are held to educate coffee enthusiasts on the history of coffee, specialty coffee, brewing methods and more.
Benefits of the Coffee Community
The specialty coffee industry has brought about a community of like-minded people who share a common goal or interest; to experience quality coffee with every sip. This flourishing industry has resulted in the automation of brewing processes and the creation of coffee machines and accessories suited for every coffee lover. Not only have these products and services popularized specialty coffee, but made it easier for people to brew the perfect cup in their own home.
Third Wave of Coffee
The ‘third wave’ of coffee has resulted in the growth of specialty coffee shops, offering a unique experience, from the quality of the product to the atmosphere. With the third wave of coffee, there’s been a shift of focus to the origins of the product and its environmental sustainability. By sourcing beans directly from farmers and regulating the roasting processes, specialty coffee shops are becoming more conscious of the impact that their business has on the environment, aiming to create a more sustainable coffee world.
Health-Conscious Coffee Drinkers
With the rise of specialty coffee, there has also been a rise of health-conscious consumers who are more aware of the effects of their coffee consumption. Consumers are more likely to opt for single origins, blends and decaf options, as well as organic and unsweetened styles of brewing. All these changes have contributed to the growth of the specialty coffee industry, as customers search for a healthier cup of joe.
Learning about Coffee
Nowadays, individuals are encouraged to experiment and learn about coffee. Through the internet, books, magazines, or even attending a barista course, one can easily learn about the science of the beans, their origins, and the different brewing methods and styles. Coffee courses are often offered, allowing enthusiasts to attend lectures on the various aspects of specialty coffees, from understanding the process to brewing and tasting the coffee itself.
