With fruit juices we are used to hearing that they should be taken as soon as possible so that the vitamins do not evaporate. Does the same thing happen with coffee? Should we only take the fresh one so that no caffeine is lost?
Caffeine does not evaporate
Caffeine is an alkaloid with high antioxidant capacity, having a higher effect than ascorbic acid. Alkaloids are substances of vegetable origin that have a basic character and a bitter taste, being present as a defense against insects and predatory animals.
Caffeine is odorless and has a very characteristic bitter taste. Its main function is protection against pests, since this substance is toxic to most pest species and acts as a natural pesticide. It also serves to protect coffee from competition with other plants. Once the leaves and grains fall to the ground, they release small amounts of caffeine directly into the soil, preventing the growth of other wild plants in the area, as caffeine acts as an inhibitor to other wild plants.
But to the question we asked ourselves before, coffee does not lose caffeine over time. The caffeine in coffee does not evaporate and actually lasts a long time. What coffee loses over time is its aroma and flavor. Because the compounds responsible for these characteristics are volatile and end up being lost when stored for a long time, especially if they are not stored correctly, exposed to light and in closed containers.
Can you drink expired coffee?
In principle, nothing happens to drink expired coffee. If the coffee has been stored correctly, there is not much problem in drinking expired coffee, we just have to verify that the coffee does not have different characteristics, such as the presence of mold or a strange smell.
There is no need to worry about getting sick from drinking expired coffee, the only thing that happens is that coffee loses aromas and flavors for the time it has been stored. In some cases, if the product remains closed, it can last several years with the same characteristics. The expiration date refers to the time during which you can enjoy the highest quality and flavor of the coffee, but you can continue to use coffee that has passed this date, as long as it has been stored correctly, there are no holes in the package and no sign of deterioration.
Also, the way we store coffee also influences whether or not it is still safe to drink. For example, coffee beans can last up to 6 months if stored correctly. This time varies depending on several factors, such as the techniques used during the roasting the beans, coffee bean processing and storage conditions.
Furthermore, after being ground, the coffee lasts approximately 1 month in a closed pot, although 2 weeks later it begins to lose some sensory characteristics. The grain of coffee, if stored well, can last several years, sometimes even a few decades.
It is recommended to keep the coffee and its grounds away from humidity, since it is the humidity that causes microorganisms to proliferate. We must keep it away from the refrigerator as it has a lot of humidity and if that humidity enters the coffee, it will surely go bad.