How To Make Coffee Last Long (Can You Make Coffee Last Longer + More Information)
Can you make coffee last longer? If you are looking for ways to keep your coffee fresher for longer, read on as we explore the answer to this question.
Yes, you can make your coffee last longer by storing the beans or coffee grounds in an airtight container or bag, away from moisture, air, and light.
I can’t be the only one who cannot pass on a good deal. But on a few occasions, my 2- or 5-pound bag of coffee has been a bit too much, and after some weeks, it stops tasting or smelling as good or as fresh. The first time it happened, I was certain that the coffee had gone bad, and I threw it all out. In hindsight, that was a mistake, and I’ve since tried using more airtight containers as I try to figure out if coffee goes bad; and, more importantly, how do I keep coffee fresher for longer? Keep reading for some tips.
Table of Contents
How long does coffee last?
Stored correctly, whole coffee beans last weeks, months, or even years. Opened beans last 1-3 weeks or 3-4 months when sealed in the freezer, and ground coffee remains fresh for 1-2 weeks or up to 1 month in your freezer. Instant coffee lasts the longest, some lasting for 2-20 years under proper storage. And your coffee pods are only fresh and up to the listed best-by-date.
Brewed coffee, hot, and espressos are freshest for 20-30 minutes but would still be good to drink for 4 hours. If you drink your coffee with milk, you should drink it in hours. Cold brew lasts for 7-10 days sealed in the fridge.
Unopened, freshly roasted coffee beans stored as recommended remain in good condition for up to 9 months, after which the beans start to deteriorate. By the 18th month, however, the coffee beans’ aromas and flavors become even worse and unpalatable.
For ground coffee, however, the ground coffee begins to lose its aromas and flavors from the moment you grind the beans.
On the other hand, brewed coffee is the freshest when brewed immediately after grinding fresh beans, but the brew starts losing its flavor and aroma during and after brewing, which is why you should drink your coffee as soon as possible. Also, the coffee grounds may lose flavor immediately after the can or package of coffee beans is unopened.
How to make your coffee last longer
Protect the ground coffee or coffee beans from oxidation by storing the coffee in a completely airtight container or even a bag, and make sure that the packaging is as tight as possible. Oxidation is the biggest problem around coffee as it involves a change in the coffee’s chemical reaction thanks to the interaction of the coffee beans with oxygen. The result of the interaction is an alteration of the coffee’s aromas, flavors, and color.
Keep away from light – store your coffee beans, ground coffee, and brewed coffee away from direct sunlight since light alters the flavors and color of the coffee by initiating a chemical reaction that destroys the coffee. Also, keep the coffee away from kitchen lights, and store the coffee in airtight and opaque storage bags or containers, preferably in the pantry or the cabinet.
Don’t expose coffee to moisture – even though freezing keeps your coffee fresh, there is a high likelihood of the coffee being exposed to moisture, hence a higher rate of damage. To lower this risk, don’t re-freeze the coffee because the collected air and moisture cause freezer burn. And also, keep your coffee from appliances that would expose it to high humidity.
To keep your brewed coffee fresher for longer, keep it in a sealed container or mug in the fridge, and it will be good for 3-4 days. Unfortunately, it won’t taste as fresh anymore.
FAQ SECTION
Does coffee keep longer in the fridge?
Yes, coffee lasts longer in the fridge. However, brewed refrigerated coffee doesn’t taste as good as fresh coffee. And once you remove the ground coffee or whole coffee beans from the freezer, you shouldn’t re-freeze it.
How long can coffee sit in a container?
Whole beans last for 3-4 months when sealed in the freezer but can be good for a few weeks, months, or years if the container is unopened and stored in a cool, airtight, dry, and dark container.
Do coffee beans last longer than ground coffee?
Yes, coffee beans last a lot longer than ground coffee because of the large surface area exposed to oxygen and moisture in ground coffee, unlike in coffee beans. However, the coffee beans will not last forever.