For how long can I store brewed coffee?

QUESTION:

I just brewed some really good coffee at triple strength to use for iced lattes. I chilled it, but didn't use much of it. My father in law is coming to stay in about 2-1/2 weeks and I know he'd love me to make him an iced latte. Will this coffee still taste the same if I keep it in the fridge that long? Should I keep it in an air-tight container?

ANSWER:

Coffee really doesn't do well over long periods like this, even if you are chilling it and using it for cold coffee drinks.

In fact, coffee starts to lose its flavor as soon as you brew it.

Given that you can buy fresh coffee beans at a very reasonable price, I would recommend that you brew some fresh coffee on the day your father-in-law arrives.

With coffee, fresh is always best.

Comments for For how long can I store brewed coffee?

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Dec 24, 2010

Really?
by: Anonymous

That seems ridiculous based on my experience. What, specifically causes the coffee to lose it's flavor? It seems there would have to be some volatile ingredients that evaporate quickly or some chemical degradation. Even so, you could remove it from the heat and seal it right after brewing to slow or stop either process. What chemicals are responsible for the flavor loss over time?

Editor's Note: It's the volatile oils, which hold most of the flavor, and begin to evaporate immediately after brewing.

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