You found an old bottle of apple juice in your kitchen pantry, and the next thing you do is start wondering whether it is still safe for consumption.
Apple juice offers delightful flavors, which is why people use them to create incredible recipes, and discarding them just because they have elapsed their best before date seems so heartbreaking.
So how long does apple juice last? Does apple juice go bad? How to figure out when they have gone bad?
If any of these questions ring a bell in your ears, you would love to continue reading this article. We will highlight several ways of increasing the shelf life of apple juice and learn about ways to store them.
With so many health benefits on offer and an irresistible flavor, you might want to preserve them for long.
However, apple juice can go bad, and we will list all the signs that indicate usable apple juice later in the article.
How Long Does Apple Juice Last? Does Apple Juice Go Bad?
While homemade apple juice can retain its quality and taste for about five days, commercially sold apple juice typically come with a “best by” date.
They can last for about a year if you store them in proper storage conditions. This date does not mean that they become unsafe, but apple juice can lose its taste and quality once past its “best before” date.
So what is the shelf life of apple juice? The shelf life of apple juice can differ for different variants.
For instance, if you bought an unrefrigerated apple juice from the grocery store, you can expect a shelf life of more than five months past their best before date.
This condition will apply only with unopened apple juice containers. Once opened, it should retain its freshness for two to three weeks in a fridge.
Here are a few things you need to consider while storing apple juice to preserve its qualities and flavor.
- If you store apple juice in your pantry, make sure to keep them in a cool and dark place at room temperature.
- If your apple juice is in a bottle, keep it away from light and sources of heat. Warmer temperature can temper your apple juice and ruin its qualities.
- Once opened, make sure you close the lid tightly or keep it in an airtight container.
- An opened apple juice bottle should rest in a fridge to retain maximum peak quality.
- Freezing apple juice can be a good option if you preserve it for long durations.
Does apple juice go bad? Unfortunately, it does.
Apple juice can degrade in flavor before it goes bad, which is why taking good care of it is undoubtedly the best thing to do.
How to Tell if Apple Juice is Bad?
Like other juices, you can judge the state of apple juice by examining the smell and taste.
As we mentioned earlier, apple juice loses its qualities before going bad, which means it might not taste that good like they were when you first opened the pack.
However, apple juice will become unusable over time, and it would be best to discard them.
So what are the signs of bad apple juice? Judging apple juice can be simple, and all you need is your sense of taste and smell.
A quick sniff test will help you determine whether the apple juice is safe to drink. Here is a list of all the signs that indicate unusable apple juice:
- Sour smell. One of the most common signs of apple juice going bad is a rotten smell. If your apple juice smells similar to vinegar rather than its pleasant aroma, it would be best to discard it.
- Discoloration and mold. If your apple juice is exhibiting a color change or developing molds, it is better to replace it with a new one. A darker shade is a definite sign of spoilage.
- Alcoholic taste. Apple juice is similar to apple cider, and so when it comes in contact with oxygen, it starts the fermentation process. If your apple juice has an alcoholic taste, it is better to discard it. The fermented liquid is not healthy for consumption, and it would be best to avoid it.
- Check dates. Keeping an eye on dates will help you keep track of your apple juice quality. If you find an apple juice container that has gone past its “best before” date for years, it is better to discard it.
Conclusion
Apple juice is refreshing and irresistibly delicious, but you need to follow proper storage techniques to retain its qualities.
The shelf life of apple juice can differ for different variants, and as a result, you might want to follow our steps to keep them fresh for extended periods.
They carry various health benefits as well, and according to Healthline, apple juice supports hydration and heart health.
With so many health benefits and a taste that allures many, you can use apple juice with different recipes to enhance the flavors.
So the next time you find an unattended apple juice container sitting in your pantry, you will know how to check whether they have gone bad.
How Long Does Apple Juice Last? Does Apple Juice Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Apple juice
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much youu0026#x27;re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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