How long will orange juice keep in the refrigerator? You likely want to make it as fresh as possible but are concerned that it won’t stay that way. Here are some recommendations for storing orange juice initially in glass containers. They stay vibrant and flavorful longer than plastic bottles. Make sure your bottle is securely closed after that. Last but not least, keep in mind that old orange juice can not taste as good.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last in the Fridge?
The answer to this question will vary significantly depending on the orange juice we are referring to.
If you store freshly squeezed juice in the refrigerator, it will keep for a few days without going bad.
The length of time orange juice will last depends on the product kind, location, and whether or not the package has been opened. Juices sold in stores have a use-by date that serves as helpful timeframe advice.
So long as you don’t open canned or unrefrigerated orange juice, you can keep it long after the expiration date. You should store it in the fridge for roughly seven days after opening the container.
When the juice is commercially canned or bottled (and is kept on shelves without being chilled). As long as you keep it fashionable, like from the container, it is fine for a year, possibly a year and a half, and occasionally even longer. Because preservatives were added to the juice, it has a long shelf life.
The juice will likely only be enjoyable when opening the package for a few days or maybe a week. When it’s been opened, it must be sealed and kept in the refrigerator.
Even orange juice may be available. If such is the case, you should be aware that this juice frequently contains very few additives (or none at all). As a result, things don’t move along well right away.
It should be refrigerated and eaten within a week, ideally one and a half. These juices typically have a “use by” date, and you shouldn’t store them for any longer than the few days specified on the container.
Generally, it is safe to assume that juice is still edible after the stated expiration date. That is especially true if it hasn’t been opened.
Whatever type of juice is in an open container, it will shortly spoil (refreshing, commercially brewed, or refrigerated).
Reference: Benefits of thermosensation in orange juice whey drink processing
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
This kind of orange juice is unquestionably the most delectable and organic. You adore it, I’m sure of it. You won’t enjoy its shelf life, though. When orange juice is left out, dangerous bacteria increase and cause it to spoil more quickly than any other orange juice.
As I’ve already said, freshly squeezed orange juice is only good for a short time. It can only be kept in the fridge for two to three days.
It also doesn’t keep at room temperature for very long. It can only be left out of the refrigerator for two hours. This means you should drink it as soon as you squeeze it, or you can be creative and utilize the juice to make some delectable orange sweets for the entire family.
Orange Juice in Bottles
There are two varieties of orange juice in bottles: chilled orange juice and unchilled orange juice. They all have a different shelf life.
Orange juice that has been refrigerated won’t keep well at room temperature. It only keeps unrefrigerated for two hours, just like freshly squeezed orange juice. Unopened orange juice can be safely consumed for 8 to 9 days after being placed in the refrigerator for one to two weeks.
Orange juice that hasn’t been opened can be kept at room temperature for 3 to 9 months. Within 8 to 10 days after opening, store it in the refrigerator.
Orange Juice in a Can
Because they contain additives and preservatives that keep orange juice from quickly spoiling, orange juice in cans lasts much longer. Orange juice in a can has been pasteurized, which means any hazardous bacteria have been killed before the juice is distributed.
Each brand will determine the exact duration. In general, orange juice may be kept for at least a year if you don’t open the cans or bottles and store them at room temperature. The orange juice can be kept in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 days after being opened.
The flavour won’t be as good as it was initially after a few months. The ideal time to take it is, therefore, within four months.
Orange Juice Concentrate
Because all of the water is removed before compressing and bottling, orange juice concentrate keeps for a very long time. Thus, it lasts a very long time. It won’t expire unless you open it to drink from it.
Even though orange juice concentrate frequently bears an expiration date, this is not a reliable way to determine how long it will last. It indicates that the orange juice should be sipped as soon as possible.
Orange juice concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a week after it has been thawed for consumption. You should be aware that once frozen orange juice has thawed, it cannot be frozen once more.
How to Keep Orange Juice Fresh?
A few different juice forms are available on the market, just like lemon or apple juice. Additionally, the storage techniques for each type are also rather similar.
Tip
As a general rule, you should put unopened orange juice in the refrigerator after opening it and keep it at the same temperature as in the store.
Freezing Orange Juice
Let’s start with the most popular variety: oranges served at room temperature.
The juice is affected by both variations in temperature and light. You must keep it away from heat sources in a dark, cool area. If it comes in a clear jar, that also stops any light.
The pantry is the best choice, although a kitchen cupboard also works. Once the container has started, keep it well closed and away from the refrigerator.
The other wide selection of orange juice is only found in the refrigerated section. Juices like Orange from Just Beverages are excellent examples. Simply put, this variety should be kept in the refrigerator. Like always, make sure the container is closed while not in use.
The homemade orange juice you create is the last but certainly not the least. You should store new orange juice in the refrigerator like the refrigerated variety.
Freezing is an effective way to preserve lemon juice if you cannot consume all of your orange juice before it spoils. Even while freezing could slightly degrade the juice’s flavour, using it in a beverage should be alright.
Or, for a delicious refresher on a hot day, add one or two blocks of frozen orange juice to a glass of water. I recommend freezing juice in ice cube trays because of this.
And one more thing: do not panic if you leave an unopened carton or jar of orange juice in a hot car for a few hours, especially if it is the advertised chilled variety.
The juice should be alright. However, if the jar has already been opened, cut your losses and donate the juice to security operations.
Why Should You Drink Orange Juice?
Do you realize that orange juice has health benefits and is delicious? The fact that it is excellent for the skin is what people appreciate most about it. However, orange juice offers a lot more health advantages besides that.
Orange juice has other nutrients besides vitamin C. Magnesium and potassium are also present, which can regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Flavonoids and arytenoids, two types of antioxidants, are abundant in orange juice. Your body needs these antioxidants to function properly. It has been demonstrated that they can improve your general health.
Orange juices are frequently combined with other ingredients like oats, fruit, and even milk to increase their nutritional benefits. You’re not misreading this; several delicious milk and orange dishes will help your health in numerous ways.
How Should I Properly Store Orange Juice?
The time has come to act. I have included all the advice you require for longer-lasting and healthier orange juice storage. Discover them by reading on! By doing a few simple actions, you can undoubtedly extend the shelf life of your orange juice.
Depending on how long you plan to store the orange juice, the refrigerator and the freezer are safe places to keep it. Orange juice needs to be chilled or frozen as soon as feasible.
Pantry
Because they are always pasteurized before being sold, shelf-stable orange juice and canned orange juice can be kept without contamination at room temperature. In the cupboard, this orange juice can keep for a full year.
Keep the sunshine away from your orange juice. It works best if you put it in a cool, dark spot. Additionally, check the cans and bottles for secure seals.
Fridge
Refrigerating orange juice will be fairly simple once you are certain it is in its ideal state. Juice from a freshly squeezed orange (Homemade Orange Juice)
To preserve freshly squeezed orange juice in the refrigerator, follow these two simple procedures. Your orange juice’s shelf life will be extended without changing its flavour or consistency. In this manner, you can use the juice in dessert recipes or as a replacement for another ingredient, such as Cointreau.
Step1: Select a Container
Glasses, airtight containers, and mason jars are a few examples of containers you can use from around your home. Always place a layer of plastic over the grime before using a glass. To avoid contact with the air, pack as much juice as you can into the container.
Step 2: Add the Orange Juice and Chill it
Pour orange juice into the container, place it in the refrigerator, and enjoy chilled, fresh orange juice whenever you like for the following two to three days.
Orange juice should not be placed near the refrigerator door since the constant temperature changes will cause it to spoil more quickly.
Shelf-stable canned and bottled orange juice can last a long time at room temperature. The unopened can or bottle can be placed on a shelf without worrying about spoiling over time.
It will help if you put them in the refrigerator as soon as you open them.
Another thing to remember is that if you purchase orange juice that has already been chilled, you must immediately place it in the refrigerator upon arrival at your home.
Avoid keeping orange juice near the refrigerator door since the temperature changes will contaminate it.
Freezer
The method for freezing orange juice and refrigerating it is very similar. Just a few more notes are left.
Juice from a freshly squeezed orange
With this approach, freezing freshly squeezed orange juice couldn’t be simpler.
Step 1: Drain the Pulp from the Orange Juice
Be aware that freshly squeezed orange juice frequently contains pulp. The pulps will, however, sink to the bottom when you freeze them, which can lead to texture irregularities.
It would help if you drained the orange juice before freezing it to prevent this. The pulps and juice can then be separated using this method.
Step 2: Pour Orange Juice into the Container
Pour the orange juice into a container, a mason jar, or an ice cube tray after draining, and freeze. After thawing, do not refreeze frozen orange juice.
Bottled and Canned Orange Juice
It’s simple and quick to freeze orange juice that has been canned or in a bottle. However, the following is something you should remember.
When orange juice is frozen, it expands. To prevent the bottle or can from inflating, you should leave some room on top. You can move orange juice to a larger container before freezing it if you want to be extra cautious.
Can You Get Food Poisoning from Orange Juice?
Raw juice can make your food sick.
After drinking orange juice, if you get significant stomach pain, you may have food poisoning. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, unpasteurized raw or freshly squeezed orange juice may contain bacteria that can cause food-borne illness (FDA).
Can You Drink Expired Orange Juice if it hasn’t been Opened?
Unopened commercially canned or bottled orange juice can be kept without refrigeration on shelves for up to a year, and occasionally even longer if you store it in a cool place like the pantry. Because preservatives were added to the juice, it has a long shelf life.
Can You Get Salmonella from Orange Juice?
The results of the laboratory tests and the case-control investigation lend credence to the theory that unpasteurized orange juice tainted with Salmonella served as the transmission medium. According to the case-control study, orange juice consumption was a significant risk factor for sickness and was consumed by 97 per cent of those who were ill.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to buy glass bottles of orange juice when shopping. Glass bottles are more practical and come in various sizes and forms, even though plastic and cartons may make it simpler to store juice. Juice that has been prepared in larger amounts can also be bought. Inspect the can for sediments at the bottom when purchasing canned orange juice. If you see gas or lumps, they probably represent spoilage.