Ever since I brewed my first espresso shot in college, it’s been a constant struggle for me to find a way to keep the delicious beverage fresh and flavorful. I can hardly go through a pot before it starts to spoil. But, I’ve never been able to quite pinpoint exactly how long Espresso Last in the Fridge.
Get ready — it’s time to take a deep dive into the world of coffee storage…
How Long Does Espresso Keep in the Fridge?
As any coffee enthusiast or barista will tell you when it comes to brewing delicious espresso, the fresher the beans, the better. But what if you’ve made a bit too much-brewed espresso and don’t want to waste it?
You might be wondering, how long can I store my cup of espresso in the fridge?
An espresso can last up to a week in the fridge — but with a few caveats. While storing espresso in the fridge will stop bacteria from forming over time, it can also reduce its flavour as the cold temperature alters its composition.
As such, it’s best only to store your brewed espresso for as long as absolutely necessary and make sure that it’s completely covered so that no air or moisture seeps in.
If you want to save coffee for longer than a week, there are other methods that work better—freezing coffee beans or grounds and blending them later are two great options. But when it comes to espresso specifically, storing in the fridge should do just fine for a few days.
Why Should You Refrigerate Espresso?
As a coffee enthusiast, I find that refrigerating my espresso is the best way to store it. Keeping your espresso in the fridge conserves its flavour and helps you avoid unnecessary waste. The refrigerator also helps slow down oxidation, which can lead to a sour or bitter taste over time.
There are several other factors that come into play when determining how long espresso stays at its peak freshness. If you buy espresso beans that are already roasted, you will need to make sure they are stored properly right away.
Temperature and humidity levels can have an effect on their shelf life, so it’s best to store your beans in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place until they’re ready for use.
It’s also important to note that storing your brewed espresso in the fridge should be done properly as well. When placing your brewed espresso in the fridge, pour it into an airtight container or bottle and try to use it within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Preparing Espresso for Refrigeration:
When it comes to preserving espresso, the first step is to ensure that it’s properly stored and refrigerated. But what exactly does that mean?
1. Cooling Properly:
It’s important to cool the espresso down before storing it in the fridge. If you try and refrigerate espresso that hasn’t cooled down, you run the risk of having ice crystals form on the surface of the espresso, which will change its flavour. So make sure you allow your espresso to cool down naturally beforehand.
2. Transferring for Refrigeration:
Once your espresso has cooled down, transfer it into an airtight container or a glass jar with a lid. This will help keep bacteria from getting into your espresso and spoiling it. Make sure you don’t fill the container or glass jar all the way to the top – leave a bit of space between the top of the liquid and the lid.
Is It Safe to Drink After Expiration?
According to me, it’s not a good idea to exceed the expiration date or push your luck by going too much beyond it. Drinking coffee past its expiration date can lead to off flavours and putrefaction. So, it’s important to pay attention to how long it has been stored in your fridge.
It may be helpful to label your espresso with the date you opened it or put it in the fridge. So that, you know exactly when it expires and can avoid any potential problems. Additionally, check for any changes in consistency, odour or taste before deciding whether or not it’s still safe to drink.
Can you Reheat Espresso?
Another common question, I get asked is if you can reheat espresso. Well, it turns out that yes you can — but it depends on how long ago you made your espresso.
If your espresso is still hot, then I recommend simply pouring it into your cup and sipping away. But if it’s cold (or room temperature), then re-heating is totally a thing.
Here’s how:
Microwave: If you want to reheat your espresso quickly, the microwave is the way to go. Just be careful not to burn it—turn the power setting low and heat for 10 seconds at a time until you get the desired temperature.
Stovetop: You’ll need a pot or pan tall enough to fit your mug inside without spilling over. Fill with a few tablespoons of water and set on medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and put in your mug with espresso — let it sit for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Either way, just make sure your cup or mug is microwave or stovetop safe before heating.
