Do you ever wonder if leaving your coffee sitting out will make it stronger and more bitter? Or perhaps you’re a fan of bitter coffee and want to know how to make it even stronger by letting it sit longer. Well, we have all the answers for you!
The longer you let ground coffee sit, the stronger and more bitter it will become. Typically, coffee starts to become bitter after about 30 minutes of sitting out. This happens because the coffee grounds interact with the water, pulling out more solubles and oxidizing the coffee.
You might be curious about why this happens and how to prevent it. Well, keep reading because we have all the information you need about your beloved coffee!
Why Does This Happen?
If you’ve made fresh coffee and the grounds are still in the cup or the coffee pitcher, the coffee will indeed get stronger and more bitter. But why does this occur?
According to Business Insider, as the boiling water extracts solubles from the coffee grounds, they continue to oxidize, resulting in a sour and bitter taste. This process begins the moment water hits the beans and intensifies the longer the coffee sits after brewing. So, that’s why your coffee gets more bitter when left to brew.
The temperature of the room also plays a role in how long your coffee stays better for. Extreme heat or cold can affect the taste of coffee, so it’s best to keep it at room temperature.
How to Prevent It from Happening?
If you’re not a fan of bitter coffee and want to avoid this problem, here are some dos and don’ts for you!
Drink It All
The best way to prevent your coffee from becoming bitter is to drink it all within around 30 minutes. Coffee that sits for longer will start to lose its flavor and may go bad.
Avoid Refrigerating or Freezing
Putting coffee in the fridge or freezer won’t help it stay better for longer. While it may keep the coffee cold, the taste and quality won’t improve. So, it’s best to avoid storing your coffee in these places.
Add Sugar or Cream
If your coffee has been sitting out for a while and has become too strong and bitter, you can easily fix it by adding some sugar or cream. These additions will help decrease the intense taste and make your coffee less bitter.
What About Coffee without Grounds?
What happens if you leave out coffee without the grounds? In most cases, the coffee won’t get stronger or more bitter because the absence of grounds means there’s nothing to intensify the flavors. However, if you’ve added sugar and cream, they may decrease in potency over time, potentially making the coffee stronger and more bitter.
Will Adding Milk Make It Last Longer?
You might be wondering if adding milk to your coffee will help it stay better and less bitter for a longer period. Unfortunately, it won’t. While milk may initially make your coffee less bitter while you drink it, over time, it will curdle and spoil. You definitely don’t want to drink a cup of coffee with curdled milk!
How Long Can Coffee Technically Sit Out?
Coffee can sit out for as long as you want without going bad, as long as it doesn’t contain milk or cream. However, if you prefer milder, less bitter coffee, it’s best not to leave it out for more than 30 minutes to an hour. Some people leave their coffee out for hours and still drink it, but the taste will change.
Is Left-Out Coffee Bad For You?
Aside from the milk or cream curdling, left-out coffee is generally safe to drink. It may not taste as good, but it won’t harm you. So, if you forget about your coffee and leave it out, don’t worry too much. It’s still okay to drink unless it contains milk or cream.
Does Left-Out Coffee Taste Bad?
The taste of coffee that’s been left out for a few hours depends on your personal preference. If you enjoy bitter coffee, you might like it. But if you prefer milder, less bitter coffee, you may not enjoy the taste. Just be mindful of your coffee and don’t let it sit out for too long if you don’t like the taste of bitter or flavorless coffee.
Good luck and enjoy your coffee! Remember to visit Marmalade Cafe for more delicious coffee options.