Full of calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and many other nutritious minerals, coffee grounds are a quick and healthy way to make your perfect cup of joe.
You’re probably here because you’ve dug out some old coffee grounds in the cupboard and are left wondering:
When did I put this here, and how long do coffee grounds last?
Want us to spill the beans? The bad news is coffee grounds do go bad.
We will teach you how to keep and utilize your coffee grounds and recognize if they’re spoilt.
How To Tell If Coffee Grounds Have Gone Off
- Smell: Coffee grounds contain an oil that can go rancid, which is when the fats oxidize. If your coffee beans are exuding a weird aroma, be sure to bin them!
- Taste: Are your coffee grounds starting to taste sour? If they are, it’s time to chuck them.
- Mold: while coffee grounds tend not to get direct mold if any water has gotten into the container and mold is visible, make sure not to use the coffee grounds.
How To Store Coffee Grounds
Your best bet is to store coffee grounds in an opaque, airtight container on a pantry shelf.
Light, heat, and moisture are the worst enemies of coffee grounds, so whatever you do, keep it shelved, not on the counter.
If you’re looking for long-term coffee ground preservation, pop the coffee grounds in an airtight bag or container, and put it in the freezer.
The fridge is not the place to store coffee grounds, even if it is in an airtight container. The coffee grounds will absorb all the other scents in the fridge, which can impact the taste and molding process of the coffee grounds!
How Long Coffee Grounds Last
Coffee grounds last from one to two weeks if it’s stored properly. However, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to use the coffee grounds within one week for the best flavor.
If you’re going to store your coffee grounds in the freezer, they can last up to one month and sometimes be good for up to five months!
Using Leftover Coffee Grounds
But you’ve got a problem! You don’t want to keep your coffee grounds lying around and want to use them as quickly as possible. Lucky for you, we have a few solutions below.
- Garden pest repellent: Simply sprinkle the coffee grounds around your plants, flowers, or the garden, to deter insects.
- Fertilizer: Coffee grounds make an excellent fertilizer for the soil because they contain key minerals for plant growth.
- Compost: If you don’t want fertilizer, composting the coffee grounds for later use might be the best option.
- Reusing Coffee Grounds: You can reuse coffee grounds to make more coffee. The cup might not be as flavorsome, but it’s still drinkable (even though this is a last resort).
So, Do Coffee Grounds Go Bad?
The answer is a definite yes. Coffee grounds do go bad, and it’s pretty easy to tell if they have.
But, there are plenty of ways to preserve your coffee grounds and, otherwise, use the leftovers.
