If you are a true coffee enthusiast, you may be asking yourself “how long does brewed coffee stay fresh?” Well, supposing you made coffee for guests but they fail to show up or you brewed more than you can consume within the day, what happens to all that fresh batch?
If you find yourself stuck with lots of fresh java, it will help to know how to preserve its tastiness until you’re able to gulp it all down. That is why we have prepared this article to guide you on how to preserve the rich flavor and taste of your extra coffee.
Factors Affecting the Freshness of Brewed Java
Getting a tasty cup of joe requires observing several factors. To start with, you need to grab newly roasted beans and grind them only when you want to prep coffee. As a result, you will get coffee with rich flavor at all times.
Preserve the freshness of your newly bought beans by keeping them in airtight mason jars. However, as soon as you grind your beans, they will start losing their flavor due to the increased surface area that causes more exposure to oxygen. Thus, brew with fresh grounds to get the best tasting joe.
How Long Does Brewed Coffee Stay Fresh?
Once you prepare a pot of coffee, its flavors start deteriorating right away. Your joe will have the best freshness for up to 20 minutes upon brewing. Thus, serve and enjoy your coffee as soon as you make it. Fortunately, you can prolong extra coffee using the tips below:
#1. Airpot
You can make your freshly made brew remain that way for longer by putting it in an airport. Besides prolonging the freshness of your java, it will keep it at an optimum temperature such that you do not have to consume a scorched drink. Airports are available in a wide range of sizes/shapes. Some are sleek and trendy while others are conservative. Thus, you will not lack an option that works for you. Rather than burning your coffee on the burner, transfer it into an airport to preserve it.
#2- Thermos or Carafe
If you do not have the budget to buy an airpot, you can utilize a carafe or thermos to keep your brew hot and drinkable. Just like airports, thermoses and carafes come in several designs such that you can pick one that suits your taste.
#3- Glass Container
Alternatively, store that precious extra brew in a glass container. It should be airtight to ensure that the coffee does not absorb unwanted tastes/smells. We do not recommend storing your beverage in the refrigerator. It will become cold and reheating it will only destroy its taste and make it less enjoyable.
#4- Make Coffee Ice Cubes
Instead of trying to keep your coffee fresh for later, why not freeze it into ice cubes? That way you can chill your iced coffee without watering it down. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe re-sealable bag so that no funky flavours mess with the taste. On the other hand, if you’re looking at cold brew specifically – this stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks; however regular hot brewed coffees tend to have a bitter aftertaste when reheated. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, make sure you store all cold brews in an airtight container away from smells.
#5- Make Less Brew
Anyone who desires to drink up tasty coffee should only prepare it in small batches rather than making what you cannot clear in a day. Rather than preparing a full pot, estimate your needs and brew what you can consume soonest possible. For example, if you normally take half a pot, adjust to just that and no more- plus this way you can sip on fresh java all day long! There’s no need for subpar flavor when taking these steps; if anything they will give your mornings an extra jolt with deliciousness in every single mug.
#6- Invest in a Single Serve Coffee Maker
For the coffee lover who only consumes one cup at a time, single-serve machines are the perfect choice. These devices can quickly and easily make a full-flavored cup of joe with just the press of a button!