Have you ever wondered if lemon juice goes bad? There are a lot of misconceptions about the shelf life of this popular beverage. Some people think that it is impossible for lemon juice to go bad, while others don’t believe it will last more than a few days in the refrigerator. In reality, there are many factors to take into account before we can answer this question definitively. In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the storage and spoilage of lemon juice so that you can make an informed decision!
So, does lemon juice go bad?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it will eventually spoil, but there are some factors to consider before making an assumption about the shelf life of this beverage. The key issues with determining how long does lemon juice lasts involve whether or not you have freshly squeezed lemon juice versus store-bought bottled citrus drinks and what containers you keep your beverages in.
How long does lemon juice last?
Store-bought bottled citrus drinks usually have a shelf life of one to two years. You can always check the expiration date in the package. This is because the packaging prevents them from having any contact with air, which can cause them to spoil more quickly. Once opened, it’s best to drink them within one week but on many occasions, it can last much more than that.
What about freshly squeezed lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice lasts for about a week in the refrigerator as long as you don’t store it in an open container. It’s important to keep your fresh citrus drinks stored airtight and out of direct sunlight because these are two factors that can compromise the shelf life of your drink.
In extreme heat conditions, your freshly squeezed lemon juice might last only 2-3 days before going bad in the fridge. If you forgot to put it in the fridge and it’s been sitting at ambient temperature for more than 1 day, throw it away.
Can you freeze freshly squeezed lemon juice?
Yes, you can freeze lemon juice. It’s important to use a container that is specifically designed for freezing liquids because some plastics will cause the texture and taste of your drink to change when it thaws out again.
The best containers are freezer-safe glass jars or plastic zip-top bags with as much air removed from them as possible before they are sealed shut. If properly stored in the freezer, lemon juice could last for about 3-4 months, maybe more.
How to properly store lemon juice?
It’s important to store lemon juice in an airtight container like a sealable plastic bag or glass jar if you want it to last as long as possible. Make sure that the container is out of direct sunlight and stored below 40°F at all times because these are two factors that can cause your drink to spoil faster than usual.
If we’re talking about a store-bought citrus drink, you can keep it in the original container and it will last weeks. There’s no need to change it to another container.
How to tell if lemon juice goes bad?
The best way to tell if lemon juice goes bad is by smell. Does it have a sour, fermented, or vinegary odor? If yes, then the drink has gone bad and should be discarded immediately. Other signs of spoilage include an unnatural color (things like pinkish-brown), cloudy appearance or solidifying in the container as well as mold growth on any exposed surfaces of your citrus drink.
Are there risks associated with consuming expired lemon juice?
If you buy store-bought bottled juices that are past their expiration date, they will most likely cause gastrointestinal issues because they can contain bacteria from being outside of refrigeration for too long. Freshly squeezed fruit drinks don’t usually pose this risk since they’re not kept out at room temperature, but they can go bad if you don’t store them properly.
Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It might take a few hours to develop these symptoms after drinking the juice. Seek medical attention if you suspect that your drink may have gone bad and you’re feeling really sick.
Closing thoughts
It’s hard to determine how long does lemon juice lasts because it varies on a wide variety of factors. If you’re talking about store-bought bottled citrus drinks, they will last for up to two years before reaching the expiration date listed on the bottles.
However, if we’re discussing freshly squeezed fruit juices that have been stored in an airtight container and kept out of direct sunlight, then their shelf life is only about one week–sometimes more but not usually much longer than that.
Enjoy your lemon juice!