How long does lemon juice last?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does lemon juice last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of lemon juice when stored in different mediums. Moreover, we are going to discuss the ways to tell if lemon juice has gone bad and the tips to increase the shelf life of lemon juice.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does lemon juice last in the fridge?
The freshly squeezed lemon juice lasts for approximately 2-3 days in the fridge without going bad but we recommend you to consume it within 24 hours. No doubt the cooling in the fridge decreases the rate of degradation of lemon juice but still, it will lose its characteristic flavor and aroma over time. Store-bought fresh lemon juice lasts for about 4-5 days while it is kept in the fridge.
If you want to know more about how much lemon juice you will be able to squeeze out of a lemon, so that you will never squeeze out more than you need to, you can read about it here.
How long does bottled lemon juice last in the fridge?
While talking about the commercially manufactured bottled lemon juice, it lasts for about 6-12 months after opening it if it is stored in the refrigerator carefully. Moreover, you should always consider the best before or the expiry date that is written on the bottled lemon juice. The unopened bottles have a longer shelf life and can last for up to 15 months without going bad even in the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
The reason for the bottled lemon juices to have a longer shelf life lies in the fact that they are processed and many preservatives are added to retain their freshness and flavor for quite long.
You should also read the labels of the bottled lemon juices to know about their expiry date.
How to tell if your lemon juice has gone bad?
There are a few indicators including the change in color, flavor, and smell that point towards the fact that the garlic has gone bad.
- The normal color of freshly squeezed lemon has a slight hint of yellow in it. So if you observe some cloudy appearance or a darker color then it is an indication that your lemon juice has gone bad and it is better not to consume it anymore.
- The freshly squeezed lemon juice has a tangy and citrusy flavor to it. The absence of this tangy flavor or the presence of flat or bland taste will indicate that your lemon juice has gone bad and you should get rid of it.
- The smell of freshly squeezed lemon juice is tangy and refreshing. There will be a noticeable difference in the smell of the lemon juice that has gone bad.
Other FAQs about Lemon which you may be interested in.
How much lemon juice from 1 lemon?
What are the health implications of consuming lemon juice that has gone bad?
Consuming lemon juice that has gone bad will cause a lot of health problems. Some of them are
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an indication of the body that a certain obnoxious agent has entered it. So consumption of lemon juice that has gone bad and has some bacterial growth in it often causes diarrhea.
Abdominal pain
Food poisoning after consuming lemon juice that has gone bad is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is also accompanied by vomiting and nausea in most cases.
Vomiting
If you have consumed lemon juice that has microbial growth in it then you will experience nausea and vomiting which is the natural defense of the body to get rid of the unwanted harmful substance that has entered the body.
Fever
Consuming lemon juice that has gone bad will also raise your body temperature and you can experience fever which is the natural defense mechanism of your body and is the indicator that something is off with your body.
Tips to keep your lemon juice fresh for long
- To increase the shelf life of your lemon juice, instantly refrigerate it, after squeezing it out of lemons, in an air-tight bottle or container.
- Freeze the lemon juice in an air-tight or sealed vessel and leave approximately 1/2 inch headspace at the top, as the juice will expand when frozen. Lemon juice that has been kept continually frozen at 0°C can last for too long without going bad.
- You can also freeze lemon juice in the form of cubes in the freezer.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does lemon juice last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of lemon juice when stored in different mediums. Moreover, we discussed the ways to tell if lemon juice has gone bad and the tips to increase the shelf life of lemon juice.
Citations
Does Lemon Juice Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-are-the-dangers-of-unrefrigerated-lemon-juice/
