A food scientist and a coffee educator answer the age-old question: How long does cold brew last?
Plus, cold brew coffee storage tips.
Whetherstore-boughtorhomemade, this icy concoction is a non-negotiable staple in our homes all summer long.
How long does cold brew last?
In short, it depends on whether your coffee is homemade or store-bought.
As for store-bought cold brew, manufacturers generally list the brew date and expiration date on the packaging.
director of coffee, Partners Coffee
And FYI: Canned cold brew coffee is the safest product to drink from a longevity perspective.
Cold brew naturally has some antimicrobial properties, so its not prone to contamination, says Bucknavage.
So wheres the risk?
Does the pop in of water matter?
If youre making DIY cold brew coffee, does filtered, mineral, or tap water make a difference?
From a flavor perspective, yes, but not from a microbial level, says Bucknavage.
So long as the water is drinkable, its safe to use for brewing coffee.
What if you keep cold brew for too long?
So how do you know if its safe to drink?
director of coffee, Partners Coffee
According to Wong, your best bet is to take a small sip and see how it tastes.
This process is known as oxidation, says Bucknavage, and will create certain off flavors.
However, there will rarely be any visual indicators that prove its past its peak.
Place it in the refrigerator and keep it a cold refrigerator set to at least 36F.
Wong recommends simply brewing smaller batches at a time.
Sounds like an A+ plan, no?
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