In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “what does lemon juice taste like” with an in-depth analysis of the flavor profile of lemon juice. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of lemon juice and the ways to spot bad lemon juice.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
What does lemon juice taste like?
Lemon juice has a sour, acidic, or tangy flavor. It has a low pH due to which it has an acidic and sour flavor profile. It also imparts this tangy flavor in everything in which it is added.
Lemon is rich in many vitamins especially vitamin C.
Moreover it also contains vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. One raw lemon provides 29 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 2.8 grams of dietary fiber, and 0.3 grams of fats. Moreover, it also contains 1.1 grams of protein.
You can read about 5 basic tastes here.
What is the shelf life of lemon juice?
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.
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.
What are the benefits of lemon juice?
A study conducted in 2007 pointed out that the consumption of 1000 mg of vitamin C daily for about 6 weeks was associated with reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Lemon juice helps to lower those instant blood sugar spikes that are really dangerous for diabetics.
While talking about the perks of lemon water, this refreshing beverage is rich in vitamin C and is really low in calories and its carbohydrates content therefore it is a great option for diabetics as not only it keeps their body well hydrated but they can enjoy it without worrying about any health problem.
Citrus fruits like lemon have many bioactive compounds that not only prevent obesity but also play their role in the treatment of obesity.
When lemon is used along with any food, it lowers the glycemic index of that food by slowing down the process of conversion of starches present in the food into glucose.
Other FAQs about Lemon which you may be interested in.
How to add lemon juice to milk without curdling?
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 lemon juice has gone bad.
Color
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.
Taste
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.
Smell
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.
How to properly store your lemon juice?
- 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 “what does lemon juice taste like” with an in-depth analysis of the flavor profile of lemon juice. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of lemon juice and the ways to spot bad lemon juice.
Citations
https://www.doesitgobad.com/does-lemon-juice-go-bad/
