Want to know about How Long Does Orange Juice Last? I’m here to guide you. Orange juice is the best choice for me and absolutely also yours. But the question is how long can you use orange juice while storing freezing?
So, no worries. In this article, I will share my experience with Storage duration for orange Juice.
How Long Does Fresh Orange Juice Last?
I noticed that fresh orange juice, if I stored orange juice properly in the refrigerator, should be used within 2 to 3 days.
One weekend, I made 3 or 4 bottles of fresh orange juice, and I think it can last me for the entire week. On the third day, I noticed a big difference in taste, and on the fourth day, the Juice was undrinkable—sour and almost fizzy.
Dr. Elizabeth Andress, a professor of food safety at the University of Georgia, explains, “Freshly orange juice consists of natural enzymes and fermenting bacteria which can spoil and become stale rapidly due to improper storage, exposure to air and light.”
I think the best way to keep fresh Juice is in a sealed container in the fridge and added to even air if possible. The best thing to do is the so-called ‘The Freezer Technique,’ it has the benefit that you have a longer time to take the Juice in case of necessity, because of which the Juice stays fresh.
How long can orange juice be stored?
1. Refrigerated Orange Juice
The refrigerated orange juice you can buy at any supermarket, like Tropicana or Simply Orange, is a regular item I enjoy at home. Everything usually takes me a lot of time, and buying this Juice on the go makes my life easier.
On the other hand, once the juice can is open, it stays fresh for about 7-10 days refrigerated. Also, the seal can of juice can last longer, like till the expiration date.
When I bought the 7-day orange juice I discovered it has a long shelf life and appears fresh and good to drink even after a few days, but finally, the taste becomes worse.
A few days of Fresh orange juice expiration may not make it taste very bad to someone who has drunk orange juice a little past its best, but it still will not taste as citrusy as usual. Later on, I also had a stomach ache.
The university’s food safety expert, Dr. Benjamin Chapman, said, “Although orange juice might not seem unsafe to drink after the expiration date, harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella can grow and give no signs of existence.”
2. Shelf-Stable Orange Juice (From Concentrate)
Shelf-stable orange juice, packed in cartons or cans, remains unopened for a longer Orange juice shelf life—usually for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place. After removing the top seal and pouring out the contents for the first time, remember to save the remainder, which is cooled properly, in your refrigerator and drink it within a short period. You should use it within 6 days.
When I buy a supply of unrefrigerated juice, I keep it in my pantry every month, and that is where it has always been; it always comes out perfect. If you wish to have a stock of Juice without fearing it going bad quickly, you can go for this option. Don’t forget to Refrigerate it once it is opened; otherwise, it will become bad pretty soon.
3. Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
Frozen orange juice concentrate has the longest potential shelf life, lasting up to 1 year in the freezer. However, if the condensed Juice becomes stronger and adds the same volume of water, it will be preserved for the same period from 7 to 10 days, like other juices.
I honestly don’t use the concentrated Juice very frequently, but the only time I do, it is more convenient and efficient to freeze them in small portions and just let the desired amount thaw as needed.
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How do I know if my juice is spoiled?
No one likes to drink spoiled Juice, and I’ve made that mistake once or twice. Fortunately, the signs that Orange Juice has gone bad are pretty straightforward.
If your orange Juice smells bad, whether it is sour, vinegar-like, or otherwise in any way, throw it away. If you no longer have fresh Juice, it may have developed a less than pleasant odor produced by the growth of bacteria over time.
Fresh orange Juice is usually a rich and colorful drink. If your Juice loses its freshness and color – turning dull and brown, that is a firm signal that it is no longer fresh.
If the Juice is thicker than usual or has an odd texture, it is a sign it is no longer drinkable. If the container cannot be mixed by shaking because the sediment has already settled, then the Juice is probably spoiled.
The most noticeable sign of this issue is the taste. However, bad Juice will be mutated and have an off smell that differs greatly from the original, refreshing flavor.
From my experience, ignoring these warnings can result in stomach problems and food poisoning. I once had Juice that stunk a bit but looked good, and I later regretted it the next day.
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Conclusion
In my experience, keeping orange Juice fresh is a bit fiddly, yet it’s definitely worth the effort. It is indeed a great feeling when one can sip the freshly juiced orange, but then, one can on the other hand keep it only for 2-3 days, thus I always try to make just what I need or else I would freeze it if I plan to keep it longer.
Orange juice purchased from the store is a more effective alternative, mainly the refrigerated kind, but it still is best when used within a week or 10 days of its opening. Jetpacks and frozen options are the best for flexibility, where I can buy them in stock without being concerned about the fast spoilage rate.