Reading material
How to use coffee beans that are close to their expiration date? Ideas and ways to make the most of their flavor
Have you ever gone to the trouble of purchasing coffee beans only to find out that the expiration date is fast approaching?
It would be a shame to throw it away because you think it may no longer taste good, but it is true that the taste and aroma will have deteriorated. However, with some ingenuity, it can still be put to good use.
In this article, we will introduce how to use coffee beans that are close to their expiration date or have slightly passed their expiration date, as well as tips for enjoying them deliciously without losing their flavor.
What is the expiration date of coffee beans?
The shelf life of coffee beans is generally around 3 to 6 months from the roasting date.
However, this indicates the period during which the product can be enjoyed, not the deadline by which it can no longer be consumed.
Why does the flavor deteriorate?
After roasting, coffee beans gradually deteriorate due to the effects of oxygen and moisture in the air, light, heat, etc. As oxidation progresses, the aroma may fade and the taste may become bitter or astringent.
Depending on the storage conditions, the flavor can be significantly impaired even after just one month. This is why it is important to store it properly and use it up properly.
Can I drink it or should I avoid it?
There is no need to worry about getting sick immediately after eating beans that have passed their expiration date. However, you should avoid beans that are in the following condition:
・Oil is floating on the surface and it is sticky
- Sour or unusual smell
・White powder like mold is attached
・The beans are clearly deteriorating, such as cracking and crackling.
If you don't see these signs, the drink is still safe to drink even if the flavor has deteriorated.
However, sometimes you just can't be satisfied with brewing it as usual, so let's try to find new ways to use it.
Ideas for using coffee beans that are nearing their expiration date
1.
Mix with milk and sugar to make cafe au lait
Even if your coffee has lost its aroma or richness, you can make it taste better by adding milk and sugar to make cafe au lait. Dark roasted beans are especially recommended as they go well with milk.
2. Reduce impurities with cold brew coffee
Cold brewing reduces the bitterness and acidity that can be extracted by heat, resulting in a mellower flavor. Even with beans that have a weaker flavor, cold brewing makes them more palatable.
・Coarsely ground beans are used
・Use about 80-100g of beans for 1L of water. ・Steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
The less impurities there are, the clearer the taste.
3. Reuse in sweets and dishes
Beans and flour that have lost their flavor can also be used as an accent in sweets and dishes.
・Mix into cookie or pound cake dough
・Flavoring tiramisu and chocolate confectionery
・Ingredients for coffee syrup and liqueurs
If it is in powder form, sifting it before use will improve the texture.
4. Reusing as air fresheners and deodorizers
Even if you have used up all the beans, they may still have some aroma.
By drying it and placing it in a cloth bag, you can use it to deodorize shoeboxes and refrigerators.
It can be used as a convenient deodorizing item made from natural materials.
5. Fertilizer for houseplants and soil conditioner
Mixing finely ground coffee powder into the soil of your home garden or houseplants can help improve soil aeration and supplement nutrients.
However, using too much can cause mold, so be sure to dry it thoroughly and use it in small amounts.
Tips for using coffee beans to their full potential
The storage conditions of coffee beans have a significant impact on their shelf life. By paying attention to the following storage methods, you can prevent deterioration.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
・After opening, avoid contact with air as much as possible
If you freeze it, divide it into small portions and store in an airtight container.
It is especially important to minimize contact with air after opening. To enjoy the coffee while preserving its aroma, it is best to drink it within two weeks to one month of roasting.
Let's have the mindset of "make use of things before throwing them away"
The appeal of coffee beans is not just their aroma and flavor, but also their usefulness in everyday life. Even beans that have lost their flavor can be made valuable again with some preparation.
If you think it would be a shame to throw it away, now is your chance to try a new way to use it. Use the information in this article as a hint to help you enjoy your coffee to the very last drop.
summary
・Beans that are close to their expiration date can still be used depending on their condition.
・There are ways to supplement the flavor, such as adding milk or cold brewing
・We also recommend reusing it as a sweet or deodorizer.
- Proper storage will prevent deterioration of flavor
Why not enjoy coffee beans without waste and add a moment of aroma to your daily life?
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.