Can instant coffee get moldy? Instant coffee is a popular choice for people who want to save time in the morning. It can be brewed quickly, and it also has a long shelf life if you store it correctly. However, there are some factors that may cause your instant coffee to spoil before its expiration date. Here’s what you need to know about how mold affects instant coffee on this blog post!
Can Instant Coffee Get Moldy? Where Does Mold Coffee Come From?
As a general rule, coffee left out on the counter will get moldy if it gets too moist. Coffee’s slightly acidic PH makes it the perfect place for mold to thrive and its location between 6-7 means that most cups of coffee are at risk for getting molded.
Moreover, it’s crucial to choose a manufacturer that is meticulous about the drying and processing process with quality equipment. To prevent mold growth, dried coffee beans need an evenly moisture-rich environment without an abundance of acidic air blowing through them.
Mycotoxins in Coffee – What does “Mycotoxins” mean?
Mold is commonly found in coffees that have long storage periods before roasting, as the moisture-rich conditions on the beans may encourage mold growth.
The hard part? Mold on coffee beans, or mycotoxins for short, are impossible to remove by roasting methods. In fact, it can be present even before the drying process starts because of how and where the bean is grown.
The mold and mycotoxins on the coffee beans can infect the equipment used to process it before making its way onto your cup of coffee. This contamination will inevitably pass onto the next batch of coffee beans, which could lead to human consumption even if they have healthy-looking skin or fast recoveries from illness.
Coffee is vulnerable to mold due to its porous nature, which means that coffee growers must pay close attention during production in order to limit the amount of contamination.
What Happens If You Drink Mold Coffee?
Instant coffee will not get moldy if it remains in powder form, as long as the can is sealed. If the coffee does appear to be molded, make sure that it has a pleasant odor and taste; otherwise, throw the coffee away. If you don’t drink coffee, this probably won’t bother you.
Mold is harmful to health, but mycotoxins are the major cause of toxicity. They poison bodies and result in neurotoxicity (brain and nervous system damage), which can be fatal- this sickness has a name, mycotoxicosis.
What To Do With Moldy Instant Coffee?
When you’ve just realized your coffee has gone bad, don’t throw it away! Here are some tips on how to use expired coffee:
- Staining Paper
For stained coffee, take a piece of white paper towel and place it on the stain before pouring boiling water on top. Let it dry for roughly 3 hours before eradicating to improve your coffee.
- Staining Fabric With Coffee
Staining fabric with coffee creates a natural coloring technique, providing light to medium brownish hues to fabrics like cotton or linen. A downside of using synthetic fibers is that the dye will not absorb very well to them and they are not recommended for this technique.
To ensure that you get the color you are expecting, test a swatch of fabric for at least 30 minutes before dying. To achieve a dark coffee color for dyeing or staining, simply brew the desired
- Bake
Out of date instant coffee can be used to bake with as long as it’s safe. Some recipes include mocha brownies, mocha frosting, coffee cake, coffee frosting and chocolate pudding.
- Make a Soap
You can use coffee leftover from beans you purchased by making soap, scrubs, or beauty products. The natural dark color and scent of the ground beans will affect the end result.
Tips For Instant Coffee Storage
If you absolutely have to drink instant coffee, learn how to store the substance properly in order to avoid negative consequences.
A good way to store coffee is in the freezer, where it can last about one to three years depending on whether it’s whole bean or ground. However, freezing coffee destroys its flavor; when thawed from frozen coffee will taste dull.
Storing coffee (unopened, sealed, dry) in a cool dark spot is the best way to ensure it doesn’t go bad.
FAQs
Is the mold on coffee dangerous?
The mold itself is not a big risk and comes mostly from mycotoxins. Aflatoxin B1, which has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer is found in coffee beans.
How do you know if instant coffee is bad?
In general, instant coffee loses flavor over time and develops a stale taste—if your coffee has developed an off smell, flavor, or appearance; if mold appears on the beans (or around the seal); or if “floaters” appear in your cup of brewed coffee.
Can instant coffee go bad?
Instant coffee has a very long shelf life. It will not go bad as long as it is stored in cool, dry place.
Can you drink moldy coffee?
Drinking moldy coffee can cause allergies and the consumption of one cup of coffee with mold can trigger something as mild as congestion or as serious as upper respiratory infections.
Conclusion
I hope that this article was helpful.
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.