Orange juice is a liquid made from the squeezing of oranges.
It’s very nutritious and full of vitamin C, which helps keep you healthy during cold and flu season.
It also contains potassium to help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure.
For some people, it can also be used as a meal replacement for breakfast or lunch because it has so many nutrients in one glass.
This article will answer all your questions about how to store and how long fresh-squeezed orange juice lasts.
How to Store Orange Juice?
Orange juice is an all-time favorite breakfast drink.
It is a very healthy and refreshing beverage, but it can spoil easily if not stored properly.
You should be aware that freshly squeezed juice will have a shorter storage time than premade juice.
When you make your juice, the pulp and other bits that are left behind will start to spoil more quickly.
So what’s the best way to store orange juice?
Your refrigerator should be set at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below (not above).
The cold environment slows down enzyme activity in fresh oranges, which can cause them to spoil faster.
The best way to store orange juice for a long period would be in the freezer.
Freezing will kill any bacteria present while retaining many vitamins such as vitamin C and beta carotene, which are destroyed by heat during the pasteurization process.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last? Does Orange Juice Go Bad?
So you just bought a carton of orange juice, but you’re not sure how long it will last.
The answer is that the shelf life of fresh-squeezed or store-bought OJ can vary anywhere from 4 to 7 days before its flavor and nutrients start to degrade.
Oil in the container can break down when exposed to light over time, explaining why some people say they notice their orange juice isn’t as good after sitting on the counter for more than three days, or sometimes up to 7 days.
Other factors that impact how long your juice lasts include temperature and exposure to oxygen.
Lastly, don’t forget about preservatives like sodium benzoate—they use this additive mainly because it stops bacteria growth.
In general, fresh-squeezed juices can last anywhere from one day to three days before it starts losing its freshness and other nutrients.
This is why you should drink your juice within 24 hours, or in a pinch, store-bought OJ can last up to 7 days when refrigerated.
That being said, if you want to extend the life of your orange juice, store it in an airtight container and put it in the freezer.
You can also freeze fresh-squeezed OJ for up to 3 months before its flavor starts to degrade.
Make sure to leave some space in your freezer to prevent the ice from crushing and spilling.
How to Tell if Orange Juice is Bad?
No one wants to drink bad orange juice.
What should you do if your OJ seems off?
First, make sure it’s not time for a fresh batch — is the expiration date on the container close? If yes, then this might be an indicator that it needs to be thrown out.
Next, if it’s expired but you still think the juice is good to drink, smell it.
If there are signs of fermentation or spoilage (like vinegar-y smells), then that means this needs to be thrown out as well.
If you think the juice seems fine and is not expired yet but doesn’t taste right to you, then this may be an indicator that it’s time for a fresh batch of OJ.
Finally, check out the color or consistency of the juice.
If it’s darker than usual, then that means this needs to be thrown out for sure because there are probably signs of spoilage or fermentation going on inside.
Always remember, if you’re unsure about the juice and can’t tell whether or not it’s bad, then always err on the side of caution.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last? Does Orange Juice Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Orange juice
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- 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).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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