How Long Can a Cup of Black Coffee Sit Out?
For coffee drinkers, brewing a delicious cup of coffee is an enjoyable ritual. If you forget to drink your coffee, or have leftovers, you may be wondering how long you can leave it on counter and if it can be reused.
A Note on Food Safety
Any food that is left out can be a breeding ground for bacteria. As a result, most food safety guidelines recommend only leaving food on the counter for two hours before throwing it away and starting over.
Coffee Left Out Over Time
When it comes to black coffee, few people would benefit from leaving it out for two hours. Even if you enjoy your coffee cold without any special ingredients, it won’t taste the same after this amount of time. In addition, leaving any type of food on the counter for extended periods of time isn’t recommended.
Storing Your Coffee
The best way to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee is to store it properly. Here are a few tips for preserving your coffee’s flavor and quality:
- Don’t reheat: If you make too much coffee, it’s best not to reheat it. Instead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight: Intense heat, like direct sunlight, can damage the flavor of your coffee.
- Drink it as soon as possible: If you’re not going to keep it in the fridge, it’s best to drink your cup of coffee as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A cup of black coffee can be left out for up to two hours before it becomes unsafe to consume. To get the best taste and quality, store it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and drink it as soon as possible.
