For those unfamiliar with brewing espresso at home or lacking experience with espresso machines, it can be challenging to determine the shelf life of espresso. Allow me to clarify this for you.
The optimal flavor of freshly brewed espresso shots can be enjoyed within 30 minutes to an hour. Beyond that, the taste declines, becoming dull and unappetizing. However, there are ways to maintain the quality and flavor of older espresso shots.
Let’s take a closer look at the world of espresso and answer the burning question: how long does espresso last?
How Long Does Espresso Last?
When it comes to espresso’s lifespan, there’s no sugarcoating it: like coffee, espresso starts to lose its flavor and freshness after approximately 30 minutes. For the best experience, it should be consumed immediately after brewing. Otherwise, baristas refer to it as “dead espresso” or espresso that simply tastes terrible.
Nevertheless, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.
Espresso shots can remain viable for an extended period at room temperature, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad like perishable dairy products. In fact, an espresso shot left at room temperature can still be acceptable up to 24 hours later.
However, to truly appreciate the essence of coffee, make an effort to consume espresso within an hour of brewing. Remember that espresso begins losing its flavor as soon as it’s brewed, which is why baristas continue to prepare espresso on demand, instead of having premade options available when customers arrive.
What Causes Espresso to Lose Flavor So Rapidly?
The instability of espresso’s flavor is largely due to its brewing method.
Espresso’s flavor declines quickly because it is a concentrated coffee brew created by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
The elevated temperature and pressure utilized in the brewing process extract a greater amount of flavor compounds from the beans, but also accelerate the degradation of the coffee.
Consider this: the delightful taste of espresso is a result of the pressure and heat extracting a wealth of oils. These oils contribute to coffee’s deliciousness, but they are also quite volatile.
As a consequence, the volatile oil compounds responsible for espresso’s distinct taste break down and evaporate rapidly.
These oils are visible in the espresso’s crema, which is the light brown, almost foam-like layer on top of the espresso.
The crema is one of the three key components that contribute to espresso’s uniquely scrumptious flavor.
Furthermore, exposure to air can lead to oxidation of the coffee oils, further reducing their flavors.
This is why it is recommended to consume espresso immediately after it’s made and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Surprised that you can store espresso in the fridge? Continue reading to discover how it’s possible.
Is It Possible to Store Espresso?
Technically speaking, espresso can be stored in the refrigerator. While it’s not the ideal method, and a reputable coffee shop would never do this, it can be done.
To keep leftover espresso fresh for as long as possible, follow these steps:
- Use an airtight container: Oxygen is espresso’s primary adversary, causing coffee oils to oxidize and lose their flavors. By storing espresso in an airtight container, you can decelerate this process.
- Refrigerate it: Storing espresso in the refrigerator’s cold environment slows down the degradation rate of its flavor compounds.
- Consume within 24 hours: Although refrigerated espresso has a longer shelf life than espresso stored at room temperature, its flavor will continue to decline. Aim to consume it within 24 hours of brewing for optimal taste.
- Avoid reheating the espresso. This is a major mistake, as it will result in a poor taste. Instead, use cold espresso in beverages like iced lattes or coffee cocktails, such as espresso martinis.
It’s important to note that while these measures can extend the life of leftover espresso, it will never taste as good as freshly brewed espresso. If you choose to store it, it’s best to use it in cooking or baking, where it can still impart flavor.
How Long Can You Keep Espresso In The Fridge?
The shelf life of coffee beverages in the fridge typically spans around 4-5 days. It’s worth noting that if milk or cream is added to your espresso, the chances of spoilage increase over time, making it advisable to consume the drink sooner than later.
Additionally, the acidic nature of espresso, along with its high caffeine content, contributes to the accelerated decomposition of organic components. As a result, while your espresso may not turn stale as quickly as other beverages, it will still deteriorate relatively fast.
When it comes to storing coffee beans, room temperature is the ideal environment. However, if you intend to use the beans more than two weeks after roasting, refrigeration is recommended. By keeping them in an airtight container, your coffee beans will retain their freshness for up to four weeks.
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