Orange juice contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, and folic acid. You may also create it at home to rejuvenate and strengthen your immune system.
Table Of Contents
−- Is It Possible for Orange Juice to Spoil?
- What Causes Orange Juice to Go Bad?
- How Long Will Orange Juice last?
- How Long Will Orange Juice Keep? (Chart)
- Is It Possible for Orange Juice to Spoil if It Is Not Refrigerated?
- How Long Does Orange Juice Last After It’s Been Opened?
- How Long Does Opened Orange Juice Keep in the Fridge?
- How Long Does Frozen Orange Juice Last?
- How Long Does Frozen and Thawed Orange Juice Last?
- Juice That Is Shelf Stable as Opposed to Juice That Is Refrigerated or Concentrated
- How to Tell If Your Orange Juice Is Bad
- Expiration Dates for Orange Juice
- Is It Ok to Consume Expired Orange Juice?
- What Happens When You Drink Old Orange Juice?
- How to Store Your Orange Juice
- Is It Possible to Freeze Orange Juice?
- How Do You Thaw Frozen Orange Juice?
- Conclusion
If you love it regularly, you will most likely want to keep doing so for as long as feasible. As a result, you may be wondering if orange juice spoils and how long orange juice lasts.
Is It Possible for Orange Juice to Spoil?
You may now pick from various orange juice brands and types, such as canned, sugar-free, freshly squeezed, and 100 percent fruit juice. Unfortunately, all these goods have a limited shelf life, and any orange juice can spoil if not carefully stored or used within a couple of days of opening.
That also applies if you squeeze oranges into homemade orange juice. The lack of chemicals and preservatives is a benefit of a handcrafted product. Unfortunately, this makes it susceptible to bacterial growth and spoils faster than commercially made juice.
What Causes Orange Juice to Go Bad?
Orange juice usually spoils in two ways. It either oxidizes, resulting in a sour flavor and color change, or, if the juice contains pulp, the pulp turns bitter in solution.
When you open a jar of orange juice, it begins to oxidize, allowing microorganisms to enter. Fermentation and bacterial development are more sensitive in fresh, pulpy juice.
Even if the orange is not opened, its natural sugars will begin to convert into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Because of the fermenting process, the juice tastes like wine or beer — but not in a good manner!
How Long Will Orange Juice last?
The shelf life of orange juice is determined by the type of product purchased, the location in which it is stored, and whether or not the packaging has been opened. Commercially made juices have a use-by date, providing solid timing advice.
As a result, if you don’t open them, you may keep canned and unrefrigerated orange juice for a long time after the expiry date. After opening the package, store it in the fridge for about seven days.
How Long Will Orange Juice Keep? (Chart)
| Types | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly squeezed orange juice (Homemade orange juice) | 2 hours | 2 – 3 days | 3-9 months |
| Unopened shelf-stable orange juice | 3-9 months | Not necessary | 3-9 months |
| Opened shelf-stable orange juice | 2 hours | 8-10 days | 3-9 months |
| Opened refrigerated orange juice | 2 hours | 8-10 days | 3-9 months |
| Unopened refrigerated orange juice | 2 hours | 1-2 week | 3-9 months |
| Canned orange juice | 1 year | 1 week | 3-9 months |
| Orange juice concentrate | Not recommended | 1 week (once mixed with water for drinking) | Indefinitely |
If you prefer to drink homemade juice, never keep it in the pantry. Leaving freshly squeezed juice at room temperature can cause deterioration in as little as a couple of hours. It will keep in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Is It Possible for Orange Juice to Spoil if It Is Not Refrigerated?
If perishable food, such as juice, is not properly chilled, it begins to deteriorate after about 2-3 hours. However, oranges are more acidic than other fruits and require longer to ripen. Because it is an acidic fruit, fermentation takes longer to begin. Consequently, dangerous germs cannot quickly ruin the juice if it is not refrigerated. However, if not refrigerated as soon as possible, orange juice might go bad long-term.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last After It’s Been Opened?
The precise answer depends on storage circumstances; keep opened orange juice cold and properly closed.
How Long Does Opened Orange Juice Keep in the Fridge?
Orange juice that has been chilled consistently will keep for around 7 to 10 days after opening.
To extend the shelf life of opened orange juice, freeze it: to freeze orange juice, keep it in an airtight container with at least 1/2 inch headroom at the top since liquid expands when frozen.
How Long Does Frozen Orange Juice Last?
It will keep its finest quality for around 8 to 12 months if properly stored, but it will be safe for much longer.
The freezer period indicated is solely for optimal quality — orange juice maintained continually frozen at 0° F will stay safe eternally.
How Long Does Frozen and Thawed Orange Juice Last?
Orange juice that has been defrosted in the refrigerator can be stored for an additional 3 to 5 days before use; orange juice that has been thawed in the microwave or cold water should be used immediately.
Orange Juice (Freshly Squeezed)
This is the most delicious and natural orange juice available. I’m sure you will enjoy it. However, you will not be pleased with its shelf life. When left out, hazardous germs increase, causing them to deteriorate faster than any other orange juice.
As previously stated, freshly squeezed orange juice does not survive long. It can only be kept in the fridge for 2 – 3 days.
Furthermore, it does not stay long at room temperature. It can only be left out of the fridge for 2 hours. This means you should consume it soon after squeezing it, or you can be creative and use the juice to make some delectable orange sweets for the whole family.
Orange Juice in Bottles
Bottled orange juice comes in two varieties: refrigerated orange juice and unrefrigerated orange juice. They have varying shelf life.
At room temperature, refrigerated orange juice does not survive long. It only lasts two hours unrefrigerated, just like freshly squeezed orange juice. Unopened orange juice will be safe in the fridge for 8-9 days after being placed there. The one that has been opened will be good for 1-2 weeks.
Unopened unrefrigerated orange juice can be kept at room temperature for 3-9 months. When you open it, store it in the fridge for 8-10 days.
Orange juice in a can
Canned orange juice lasts considerably longer because it contains chemicals and preservatives that keep orange juice from spoiling quickly. Canned orange juice has been pasteurized, which means it has been cooked before being sold to destroy hazardous germs.
The precise length of time varies depending on the brand. If you don’t open the cans or bottles and keep them at room temperature, orange juice will last at least a year. Once opened, the orange juice may be stored in the fridge for 8-10 days.
However, after a few months, the flavor will not be as delectable as it was initially. As a result, it is preferable to eat it within four months.
Concentrated Orange Juice
Because all water is eliminated before compressing and packing, orange juice concentrate has a very long shelf life. As a result, it has an extremely long lifespan. Unless you open it to drink it, it will stay indefinitely.
Although orange juice concentrate frequently bears an expiration date, this does not guarantee its shelf life. Instead, it suggests that the orange juice should be drunk within that time.
Once thawed and ready to drink, orange juice concentrate can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. It should be noted that once frozen orange juice has been thawed, it cannot be frozen again.
Juice That Is Shelf Stable as Opposed to Juice That Is Refrigerated or Concentrated
Shelf-stable orange juice has been prepared and pasteurized so that it may be stored in a cold, dark place until it is opened. Once opened, it must be kept in the refrigerator.
Orange juice from concentrate is typically purchased in the freezer department of your local grocery store and should be kept in the freezer until ready to use. Refrigerated juice tastes excellent but must be kept in your fridge while you drink it.
Shelf-stable juices are convenient since they last a long time and do not need to be refrigerated until they are opened. Juice from concentrate is convenient since it comes in a tiny container and can be kept in the freezer until you are ready to consume it. And iced orange juice has a great, fresh flavor to it. While the prices of these items vary greatly, what you choose to buy is determined by your budget and storage needs.
How to Tell If Your Orange Juice Is Bad
When you squeeze fresh orange juice or open a new carton, it tastes the best, but its quality will deteriorate with time. It will likely spoil if you don’t utilize the opening juice within a week. Here are six signs that your juice is no longer safe to drink:
Pack is bloated
The inflated orange package indicates that some gas has gathered within. Ascertain that the juice has soured so that it may be discarded without additional testing.
Smell
The perfume of fresh oranges is instantly noticeable. If you pour the juice into a glass and it smells rancid, rotten, or vinegary, don’t drink it.
Sediment
Sediment is expected in thick, mushy orange juice brands with a high proportion of fruit. The presence of lumps in a clear drink, on the other hand, indicates that the liquid has soured.
Color
Orange juice is well-known for its vivid yellow color. It is undeniably spoiled if it suddenly turns pale or darker than normal.
Mold
If you keep the orange juice for an extended period, white or green mold may form on the surface. A drink like this might be harmful to one’s health. Fungi and mold development, in most circumstances, is accompanied by an unpleasant, pungent stench.
Taste
Finally, pour in the juice and drink if everything else appears in order. If you taste a flavor that isn’t the same as the day before, don’t eat the remainder. The scent of sour orange juice is putrid and harsh.
Alcoholic Or Fizzy
Is the acid in your orange juice fermenting? If it has, the juice will become bubbly or may remind you of an alcoholic beverage. If your orange juice tastes like alcohol, it has gone bad and should be discarded.
If one or more of these seven signs of poor orange juice are present in your juice, your juice has likely gone bad. In this instance, it’s time to toss out your orange juice.
Expiration Dates for Orange Juice
The best-by date on orange juice denotes quality rather than safety. If you keep your orange juice in the refrigerator unopened, you may safely consume it up to seven days after the expiration date with no harmful effects.
However, regardless of the expiration date, you should consume opened orange juice within seven days of opening it. There is no danger in consuming outdated orange juice if the orange juice looks and smells OK within this timeframe. If it smells sour or odd, throw it out since rotten orange juice can cause foodborne sickness due to hazardous germs that may be present.
Is It Ok to Consume Expired Orange Juice?
The safety of orange juice is determined by how the juice is stored. If you keep the OJ in the fridge and unopened until the expiration date, it is safe to drink for up to a week after it has expired since the acidic content keeps it fresh for longer. However, if you open the seal of the orange juice container and sip it now and then, you should not drink it after the expiration date. It has the potential to induce foodborne disease.
What Happens When You Drink Old Orange Juice?
When orange juice expires or spoils, dangerous bacteria break it down and transform the juice’s contents into alcohol and sugar, eventually becoming deadly. According to Ohio State University, expired orange juice can induce vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
It may also produce stomach discomfort, directly impacting our digestive system and leading to digestion disorders. They further note that rotten orange juice might cause respiratory issues, high temperature, and immune system weakness. Your children may be harmed by expired juice. So, we hope you don’t force your children to drink diluted orange juice.
How to Store Your Orange Juice
If you buy a lot of orange juice, it is critical to keep it properly to prevent squandering money. I’ll go through three methods for extending the juice’s shelf life.
Pantry
Because of the inclusion of additives, the only orange juices stored in your kitchen cupboard or pantry are pasteurized or canned ones. You must, however, select a dark and dry location for this reason. Once the orange juice has been opened, it should always be refrigerated.
If you buy a glass bottle of orange juice, you must preserve it from light and temperature variations. Place it on the bottom shelf, close to the floor, where the temperature is the lowest, and ensure the bottle is well sealed.
Fridge
Refrigerate any opened or freshly produced orange juice. The juice will last longer if it is kept in the fridge for a short time. Furthermore, avoid putting an open container in the refrigerator door. The frequent temperature fluctuations might quickly ruin the juice.
Before putting the orange juice in the fridge, ensure the lid is well sealed. Otherwise, it may detect different food scents.
If you produce orange juice, always wash fresh oranges in a warm water stream. It is also vital to clean the bottles before pouring the juice. The most practical method is to utilize a glass bottle to determine whether or not the beverage within has changed.
While some individuals store open juice cans in the refrigerator, shifting the drink to another container may be more prudent. Otherwise, a chemical reaction will occur between the can and the juice because of the high acid content. As a result, your drink becomes contaminated and loses its flavor.
Freezer
It is unquestionably preferable to freeze orange juice rather than waste leftovers. Choose only BPA-free containers, however, because bisphenol A raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
You can use ice cube trays instead of bottles to freeze orange juice. Use these cubes in cocktails, sangria, and lemonade or cooking. Many chicken recipes call for orange juice, which allows you to cook the frozen cubes immediately in a saucepan.
Remember that storing the juice in the freezer for longer than six months will cause it to lose its nutritional value. Please note the freezing date on the container to ensure that you utilize the juice before it expires.
When you’ve decided to defrost the orange juice, put it in a clean container and mix it occasionally. Otherwise, even if the juice is not damaged, the solid fruit bits may separate from the liquid, resulting in a bitter, peculiar taste.
It’s important to remember that water thaws faster than fruit particles in orange juice. So, don’t drink it immediately after taking it out of the freezer; instead, let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Is It Possible to Freeze Orange Juice?
Because it includes a lot of water, orange juice freezes rapidly and readily. You may store it in the freezer for three to six months. However, if you keep it for an extended period, it will decay and lose most of its vitamins and minerals.
If you plan to freeze this product, keep in mind that liquid expands at low temperatures. As a result, the original package will swell and most likely burst. To avoid this problem, move the juice to another airtight container and leave some room at the top.
If you prefer to defrost the orange juice, place a frozen bottle in the refrigerator overnight and consume it within two to three days. It may also be defrosted in a microwave or a container filled with cold water. Use it on the same day every time. Otherwise, it will go bad and will likely give you intestinal issues.
Juice that has been thawed may have a somewhat different texture and flavor. The reason for this is that fruit particles frequently thaw unevenly. This difficulty may be avoided by shaking the container or properly swirling the juice before consuming.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Orange Juice?
Now that you know how to freeze orange juice, it’s time to learn how to defrost it when you’re ready to drink it.
When you’re ready to use your orange juice, the best approach to thaw it is to place it in the fridge and allow it to defrost for several hours. Orange juice may be stored in the refrigerator for a few days after it has been thawed. At this time, place it in the refrigerator.
Suppose your orange juice separates while in the freezer; it does not indicate it has gone bad. Swirl the contents or shake the jar violently to bring it back together.
Conclusion
Orange juice is a nutritious drink that you may drink regularly to improve your health. However, it will only survive 10 days after being opened, and any additional consumption will make you sick. If you discover symptoms of spoilage, discard the juice to avoid health problems.
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