How Long Does Espresso Last?

Have you ever wondered how long will your brewed espresso last? In this article you will have a complete guide of your espresso life.

Made an espresso and then remembered an urgent work? And when you later return, you find your espresso on the kitchen table. But is it still drinkable? Yes, it is. Though the shelf life of espresso depends on a variety of factors, it remains unspoilt for a certain amount of time at different temperatures.

How long does espresso last at room temperature?

Espresso is best enjoyed as soon as it is brewed, within 5 minutes. After 15-20 minutes, it starts losing its richness and becomes plain. The oil starts accumulating on its surface and all the other compounds reach the bottom. It will then become watery and the espresso will taste sour.

However, stir it for a few seconds until you see nothing is settled at the bottom anymore, and it might give you a better taste.

When espresso is kept at room temperature, it remains drinkable for 24 hours. Though some of them also say that espresso will be good for 2 days at room temperature. But the soundest opinion is of 24 hours.

Furthermore, the espresso’s taste will not be as strong as before. And its aroma will also vanish.

How long does espresso last in the fridge?

Fruits and vegetables remain fresh when kept in the fridge. But is espresso also fresh when it is refrigerated? Yes, it will be fresh when stored properly.

If you have leftover espresso and you decide to store it in the refrigerator, then an airtight container is to be used. Pour the espresso into an airtight container and seal it correctly. Ensure that it isn’t loose and refrigerate it.

If left uncovered, espresso will lose its taste and aroma, but won’t be spoilt. You feel like you’re drinking a flavourless espresso. Another important tip is to store the espresso in the coldest part of the fridge to slow down the decaying process.

Coming to its shelf life, espresso when it’s frozen, can stay good for a week. So drink it within a week of freezing.

Note: Take out the espresso from the fridge around 40 minutes earlier to bring it back to its original form. You surely cannot drink a frozen espresso.

Nevertheless, over time, the espresso loses its taste, aroma and crema. But the caffeine content in it remains the same. It neither decreases nor increases.

Can you reheat the espresso?

Now here comes another question. Once you freeze your espresso and then decide to drink it, can you reheat it? Reheating is not a better option. Because once reheated, it loses all of its flavours and you feel you’re drinking boiled water. But was it a waste to freeze it? No, this espresso can then be used to make any chilled coffee drink such as iced coffee.

When reheated you have to use it as a base for any coffee drink and not as plain espresso. Or you can also add it as an ingredient in any dessert such as tiramisu. Another method is to pour the espresso into ice cube trays and make ice cubes out of it. And now you’re ready to try out different recipes and add them to your recipe books.

Why does espresso spoil?

Every food item has its expiry date, and so does espresso. But why do food items rotten? It is due to their exposure to air i.e. oxidation. When food items are left open, the carbon dioxide present in the food leaves it, and hydrogen ions mix with oxygen. This is the main reason which causes it to rot. And to delay the decaying of food, it is kept in the refrigerator in airtight containers.

Factors affecting the shelf life of espresso

There are many factors that affect the shelf life of espresso. They may either decrease or increase the shelf life. Usually, espresso stays fresh for a week in the refrigerator, but it is affected by some factors.

a. Milk

If you’ve added milk to the espresso, there are chances of it becoming stale very soon. Milk has a shorter shelf life and when it’s added to espresso, it also reduces the life of espresso. That’s why you find milk desserts expiring soon.

b. Coffee beans or coffee powder

If your coffee beans or powder were quite old and not fresh, then your espresso may also go stale very soon. While buying coffee beans make sure that they are fresh and smell good.

c. Sweeteners and additives

Sugar increases the shelf life of espresso because it hinders bacterial growth. Whereas, other sweeteners such as honey and any other additives reduce the shelf life, as they are a breeding place for bacteria.

d. Bean roast

A lighter roast is more acidic and hence the espresso is vulnerable to rot in a short time. On the other hand, a darker roast is less acidic and increases the shelf life.

e. Storage temperature

When stored in a warm place, espresso won’t remain fresh for longer. Therefore, keep in mind to store it in a cold place with not less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to keep your coffee fresh?

If you’re looking for tips to keep your coffee fresh, check out the points below:

• Buy coffee in small quantities.
• When purchasing coffee beans, look for fresh ones with a slightly green tint. They also have the perfect earthy coffee aroma.
• Keep them in airtight containers in cool and dry places.

How do you know that your coffee has expired?

There are some signs through which you can know that your coffee is not edible anymore.

• Coffee will lose its aroma.
• Its taste will get sour and bitter.
• The espresso will not have the top layer of crema.
• The hue of espresso no more stays dark brown, it turns reddish.

Take care and don’t drink coffee when it’s expired, it may give you a stomach ache.

Wrap Up

Now you know how to store leftover espresso. But there’s no reason for you to make extra and store it. Because espresso is meant to be enjoyed hot and fresh. Yet, if anytime you have to store it, then you know the way.

Cool espresso is no delight, but you have the option to make different drinks out of it. Give a hand to exciting recipes and savor them!