Are you an avid Nespresso user? Coffee lovers who use Nespresso machines have their personal favorites when it comes to its coffee blends. Nespresso pods are sold exclusively by Nespresso and the company currently sells 28 various Original Line arabica and robusta capsules with a limited edition released seasonally. However, certain refillable and third-party capsules or pods are now available in grocery stores and coffee shops.
How long do Nespresso pods last?
Nespresso pods usually last from six to nine months in terms of freshness. It is safe to use them past the expiry date as long as they are intact and have not been exposed to intense heat or moisture. The expiration date is usually printed in each pod among certain brands while some print it on the container box of the pods which could get thrown away unnoticed.
Coffee pods have a “best before” date” that is usually a year after their manufacture. They are hermetically sealed to protect the coffee from moisture, oxygen, and light. It is alright to consume coffee pods even after years past the “best before” date which is an indication for the period of optimal freshness.
If you notice that the foils of the capsules have dipped or collapsed it is an indication that it is not already suitable to use since air has gotten inside the pods. Another way to check is to push gently against the silver membrane and if there is resistance, you can still use it. Coffee pods that contain milk like Tassimo latte will be UHT or ultra heat-treated and will last for a long period as long as it is kept in a well-sealed container.
There is no need to worry, you can still consume the Nespresso pods, as long as they are well-sealed. However, if you can smell the coffee coming from the capsule it means it is not well-sealed and you should discard it at once.
What are Nespresso pods made of?
Nespresso pods are made of recyclable aluminum, a sturdy material that protects the contents from oxygen, humidity and light. It helps seal in the freshness of the aromas, flavor and quality of coffee. Aluminum also allows for minimal packaging since it is not imperative to use the bags as wrappers.
Each Nespresso pod contains at least five to seven grams of ground coffee and makes one coffee serving. It can produce a 40 ml espresso shot or a 110 ml lungo or long pour, depending on the pour’s length. The interior is lined with food-grade lacquer to indicate that it is completely safe for human consumption.
Types of Nespresso pods
These are the various types of Nespresso pods:
Espresso pods or capsules
They are the traditional but high-standard coffee that most coffee fans like to drink. These are shorter coffee and may come in various strengths. There are more or less six Espresso capsules in the Nespresso collection and they contain blends of coffee origin.
Some of the names of these pods include Cosi, Ristretto, Arpeggio, Roma, Livento, Capriccio and Volluto.
Pure Origine pods or capsules
These pods are also espressos but of a special variety that is traced back to a single place of origin. Nespresso offers three Pure Origine pods.
Some of the names of these pods include Dulsao, Rosabaya and Indriya.
Lungo pods or capsules
Lungo pods are also called longer coffee and are made to use approximately twice the amount of water from that of an espresso. They are called tall coffee but do not contain as much water as an Americano.
Some of the names of these pods include Fortissio, Vivalto and Linizio.
Decaffeinato pods or capsules
These are called specialist capsules and they vary by taste intensity. The names include Decaffeinato, Decaffeinato Intenso and Decaffeinato Lungo.
Where should Nespresso pods be stored?
Nespresso pods should ideally be stored at room temperature only. Some coffee experts recommend storing them in the fridge or freezer. However, it has no effect on the pods and their conservation status.
Freezing the pods could help a little to slow down the growth of fungi should it enter in the capsules but this is a very rare occurrence. Avoid placing the pods on the fridge as the temperature may not sit well with the aluminum material. You could store the pods in a cupboard or drawer while some may recommend a rack or pod dispenser should you want to display them next to the coffee machine.
How much caffeine is contained in each Nespresso pod?
Nespresso espresso pods that can make 40 ml coffee contain around 55 to 65 mg of caffeine. Lungo or long pods that can make 110 ml coffee have 77 to 89 mg of caffeine while decaffeinated pods have less than 0.1% of caffeine.
The amount of caffeine depends on the type of coffee, the type of coffee beans if either Arabica or Robusta, the degree of roasting and the coffee’s origin.
How is the coffee from Nespresso pods decaffeinated?
Nespresso coffee is decaffeinated through the use of two procedures, the water process and the carbon dioxide process. The former uses water to eliminate caffeine while the latter uses carbon dioxide to extract caffeine after the green coffee is immersed in water. The decaffeinated products are tested and must have no less than 0.1% of residual caffeine.
Also, Nespresso coffee blends do not contain allergens or food preservatives and this includes the Vertuo variations.
Conclusion
Enjoy hassle-free and quick coffee on the go with a Nespresso coffee machine. You can choose from a wide array of coffee blends that are in the form of pods and take your pick from espresso, lungo or decaffeinated types. Nespresso pods could last from six to nine months in terms of freshness. You can still use them even after the expiration or best before the date as long as they are well-sealed and not exposed to high temperature or moisture.
Image: istockphoto.com / Davizro