Does Lemon Juice Go Bad: A Quick Guide In Ensuring Its Freshness
Does lemon juice go bad? If you do not know the answer, we are here to enlighten you. Keep on reading the rest of this post and we’ll tell you if it gets bad. You’ll also learn about how to know if it has already gone bad and the best things that you can do to prevent its spoilage.
So, Does Lemon Juice Go Bad?
Lemon juice, unfortunately, does not have an infinite shelf life. Its acidity and other components will make it go bad at some points. Consuming it past its intended freshness can possibly cause a number of health problems, which is why you should not drink it past its shelf life.
The good news is that you can make lemon juice last longer. Later in this post, I will provide you with more insights on how you can store it properly, making sure that it will retain its freshness even after several days or even months.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Lemon Juice
To make sure that you are drinking fresh lemon juice, you have to know when it is good to be consumed. Its shelf life, however, will depend on the specific type of the juice. If it is freshly-squeezed, its shelf life is shorter compared to those that are packed in bottles or cartons.
When it comes to lemon juice, nothing beats drinking it fresh. This will provide you with an assurance that all the beneficial vitamins and minerals are still present. Unlike those that are commercially-available, you can also be confident that it does not contain artificial flavorings.
In the case of fresh lemon juice, it is best to consume it immediately. An aicok juicer can make your jod easy. If you have more than enough juice, however, you can store it. Generally speaking, it will take only about two to three days before the taste can become bland.
Packaged lemon juice, on the other hand, will last longer. The shelf life will depend on the expiration or best before date that is indicated by the manufacturer. Even past the date specified, the juice is still safe to be consumed, but it will no longer offer optimal flavor.
If the lemon juice is bottled, its shelf life will approximately be six months, provided that you keep it in the fridge after opening. You can also leave it in the freezer, which can be effective in extending its shelf life by as much as six more months.
Why the packed lemon juice last longer than fresh juice? Preservatives – this is the answer. The use of preservatives can alter the original flavor, but it is basically responsible for preventing the juice from spoiling easily.
Another reason why packed lemon juice lasts longer is the fact that they are sealed. Provided that they are left unopened, it will not be prone to air penetration. This can also prevent the growth of bacteria that can have a negative impact on its freshness.
If you are looking for lemon juicer, you can read Best lemon lime juicer squeezer buying guide.
How To Store Lemon Juice
Just like in the case of other drinks, proper storage is necessary to make your lemon juice last longer. The way it is kept will have a direct effect on how long it will last. I suggest that you pay attention to its storage to make sure it remains fresh when you are ready to drink it.
Storing fresh lemon juice is best done by keeping it in a container with a tight seal. However, take note that it is going to lose its Vitamin C the longer it is kept unconsumed. As noted, drink it as soon as possible to take advantage of its vitamins.
To store fresh lemon juice, Epica 18-ounce Glass Beverage Bottles, Set of 6 will prove to be a great investment. It is an eco-friendly bottle made from lead-free glass. It also has an air-tight seal that will help to preserve the juice for a longer time.
For packed lemon juice, on the other hand, you can keep it in the pantry as long as it is not yet opened. Otherwise, you should keep it refrigerated. It is also best if you buy lemon juice in small packages so that you won’t find the need to keep it in the fridge!
For both fresh and packed lemon juice, keeping it in the freezer will make it last longer. However, this is one thing I personally do not recommend. Once it has thawed, the juice will no longer taste fresh, aside from the fact that it will lose its vitamins.
How To Tell If Lemon Juice Has Gone Bad
The easiest way to tell if lemon juice has already spoiled is to look at its appearance. Any change in color, whether it has been lighter or darker, is an obvious indication that you should no longer drink the juice.
Especially for fresh lemon juice, its odor will also be indicative of its spoilage. In the same way, you can also tell if it is already bad based on its taste. If it is sour or if it does not taste like lemon at all, obviously, it has already spoiled. Throw it away! Otherwise, you might end up suffering from food poisoning!
Conclusion
Yes, lemon juice can go bad. If it is fresh, it will last only for a couple of days. If it is bottled, on the other hand, this can last up to 6 months when stored in the fridge. Its longer shelf life is because of the use of preservatives that will prevent spoilage.
If you want your lemon juice to last longer, consider buying Epica 18-ounce Glass Beverage Bottles, Set of 6. These lead-free bottles will help you to keep the freshness of your freshly-squeezed lemon juice. But still, drink it as soon as possible to enjoy its refreshing citrus flavor.
Did you enjoy reading this post? Is there any tip you want to share about keeping lemon juice fresh? Feel free to leave a comment below.