How long does coffee stay fresh?
So you bought bags of our favourite gourmet coffee beans, you opened the bag, smelled that wonderful aroma, and brewed a pot. Now what? What are you going to do with that opened bag of coffee? Coffee is too good (and too valuable) a thing to waste, so let’s discuss the right way to store your coffee, and keep that fresh aroma and bold taste around for a while, shall we?
First, you need to understand what “fresh” means. Generally speaking, fresh means that the coffee was roasted within 14 days. Industry gurus say that coffee actually reaches its peak flavour about 7 days after roasting. Interestingly, you should never drink coffee that was been roasted less than 24 hours ago. Coffee needs a little time to degas (release Carbon Dioxide) and allow the full flavour to come to fruition.
Does that mean that coffee is no longer drinkable after 14 days? Not necessarily. If you store the coffee properly, coffee will remain drinkable for much longer than 14 days, albeit not quite at its peak flavour. Bottom line, though, is that once coffee is roasted (i.e., no longer green), it is perishable. Proper coffee storage is just a matter of slowing down the inevitable decomposition of your coffee’s intricate flavours.
How do I store my coffee?
There are some disagreements among coffee connoisseurs (read: coffee junkies) about what ruins coffee faster – oxygen, humidity, temperature, or light. Truth is, they are all correct. Controlling the environment where your roasted coffee is stored is the main goal of proper coffee storage.
COFFEE STORAGE CHECKLIST:
- Store your coffee in a non-porous container (porcelain works well).
- Make sure the container is airtight. Look for one with a lid and a rubber seal.
- Make sure the container is opaque. Light breaks down the coffee oils.
- Store your coffee at room temperature, NOT in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Purchase whole bean coffee and store it whole. Ground coffee goes bad faster.
- What is coffee made from? Coffee is made from the roasted seeds of the Coffea plant. The seeds, or beans, are roasted, ground, and brewed to create the beverage we know as coffee.
- How is coffee roasted? Coffee beans are roasted using heat to bring out the natural flavors and aromas of the beans. Roasting can be done using a variety of methods, including using a roaster, an oven, or an open fire. The beans are typically roasted to a specific level of darkness, ranging from light to dark, depending on the desired flavor profile.
- What are the different types of coffee beans? There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, balanced flavor and are the most widely cultivated type of coffee bean. Robusta beans are known for their strong, bold flavor and have a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans.
- How is coffee brewed? Coffee can be brewed using a variety of methods, including drip brewing, espresso brewing, and French press brewing. Drip brewing involves brewing coffee by dripping hot water through ground coffee beans, which are contained in a filter. Espresso brewing involves forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans using high pressure. French press brewing involves steeping ground coffee beans in hot water and then pressing the grounds to the bottom of the pot.
- What is an espresso? An espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee that is brewed using high pressure and fine, finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is the base for many popular coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
- What is an Americano? An Americano is a coffee drink made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso. This creates a longer, more diluted drink that is similar to regular drip coffee in strength and flavour.
- What is a macchiato? A macchiato is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of milk foam. The milk foam is used to “mark” the espresso, hence the name macchiato, which means “marked” in Italian.
- What is a cortado? A cortado is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and an equal amount of milk. The milk is added to the espresso to create a balanced, smooth drink with a mild flavor.
- What is a flat white? A flat white is a coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk. The milk is added to the espresso to create a smooth, creamy drink with a strong coffee flavor.
- What is a breve? A breve is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed half-and-half (a combination of milk and cream). The half-and-half is added to the espresso to create a rich, creamy drink with a mild coffee flavor.
- What is a mocha latte? A mocha latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or powder. It is similar to a latte, but with the addition of chocolate flavor. Mocha lattes are often topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- What is a vienna? A vienna is a coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. It is similar to a latte, but with the addition of whipped cream on top. The vienna is believed to have originated in Austria, hence its name. It is typically served in a tall glass and is often flavored with syrups or spices.
- Is coffee good for weight loss? Some studies have suggested that coffee may help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and fat burning. However, it is important to note that coffee should not be relied upon as the sole method for weight loss, and that a balanced diet and regular exercise are also important for maintaining a healthy weight.
- Can coffee cause dehydration? Coffee is a diuretic, which means that it can increase urine production and potentially lead to dehydration. However, the dehydrating effects of coffee can be mitigated by drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids throughout the day.
- Is coffee acidic? Coffee has a pH of around 5, which is considered mildly acidic. However, the acidity of coffee can vary depending on factors such as the type of bean, the roast level, and the brewing method. Some people may find that coffee causes digestive issues or acid reflux, in which case it may be helpful to choose a low-acid coffee or to add milk or cream to neutralize the acidity.
- Can coffee be decaffeinated? Yes, coffee can be decaffeinated using a variety of methods, including water extraction, solvent extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction. Decaffeinated coffee contains significantly less caffeine than regular coffee, but it may still contain trace amounts.
- Can coffee be organic? Yes, coffee can be grown using organic farming methods, which means that synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are not used. Organic coffee is grown using natural methods and is often considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventionally grown coffee.
- What is single origin coffee? Single origin coffee is coffee that is sourced from a single location or region, rather than being a blend of beans from multiple sources. Single origin coffee is often considered to have a more distinct and unique flavor profile than blended coffee, as it is not masked by the flavors of other beans.
- What is specialty coffee? Specialty coffee refers to coffee that has been rated at least 80 out of 100 points on a scale developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Specialty coffee is often considered to be of higher quality than regular coffee, with a distinct and unique flavor profile.
- What is cold brew coffee? Cold brew coffee is coffee that is brewed using cold water and a longer steeping time than regular coffee. Cold brew coffee is often smoother and less acidic than regular coffee, and is typically served chilled or over ice.
- What is iced coffee? Iced coffee is coffee that is served over ice. It can be made using a variety of methods, including brewing regular coffee and then chilling it, or brewing coffee using cold water and a longer steeping time. Iced coffee is often served with milk or cream and can be flavored with syrups or spices.