The Life Cycle of Coffee

 You might be wondering, can coffee go bad? The answer is yes, but it takes a very long time. In fact, coffee has one of the longest shelf lives of any food product. When stored properly, coffee can last for years and still taste great. However, over time, coffee will gradually lose its flavor and aroma.

How long does coffee last?
Coffee beans are actually seeds from a fruit called coffee cherries. These cherries are picked and then processed to remove the outer flesh and parchment. The beans are then roasted to create the familiar flavor and aroma of coffee. Roasting also helps to extend the shelf life of coffee by reducing the amount of moisture in the beans.

Once roasted, coffee beans can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to two years. Ground coffee will only last for about six months before it starts to go stale. And once brewed, coffee will only stay fresh for about two hours before it starts to lose its flavor.

So, how can you tell if your coffee has gone bad?
The first thing you'll notice is that the color of the beans has changed. They may look dull or even have a reddish tint. The second thing you'll notice is that the aroma of the coffee has changed. It may smell sour or musty. Finally, the flavor of the coffee will be noticeably different. It may taste weak or watery. If your coffee meets any of these criteria, it's time to toss it out and start fresh with a new batch.

Conclusion:
While coffee does eventually go bad, it takes a very long time. When stored properly, roasted coffee beans can last for up to two years without losing too much of their flavor or aroma. However, once ground or brewed, coffee will only stay fresh for a few hours before it starts to lose its flavor. So, if you notice that your coffee doesn't taste quite right, it's probably time to throw it out and start fresh with a new batch! Thanks for reading!