Orange juice is one of the most popular beverages around the world. This beverage can be a refreshing start to the day or a tasty addition to your meals. It can also be a part of a healthy diet. An eight once serving of orange juice gives one day’s worth of vitamin C. However, if you are unsure about its shelf life, it is critical to understand how long orange juice lasts before spoiling or losing its taste and nutritional value.
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How long does orange juice last? Does an unopened juice in paper carton (tetra) last longer in the refrigerator? How about that made from freshly squeezed orange? This guide explains how long you can keep orange juice before it goes bad, whether it’s fresh-squeezed, from a carton, or opened but unfinished.
FRESH-SQUEEZED JUICE LASTS 2 TO 3 DAYS IF REFRIGERATED
In terms of quality and nutrition, fresh-squeezed is the best. But it is the least shelf-life stable of all forms of orange juice. It does not contain preservatives or additives and not thermally processed. For this reason, it typically only lasts about 2 to 3 days when refrigerated, and only 2 hours at room temperature. If the juice contains the pulp, it goes bad much quicker. For safety reasons, it is better to consume freshly squeezed orange juice within this timeframe. Ideally, consume orange juice the same day the oranges were squeezed.
If you won’t be able to consume extra fresh-squeezed orange juice, put it in an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Frozen orange juice is safe indefinitely. But it is recommended to consume it within 6 months as its quality deteriorates over time.
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ORANGE JUICE IN CARTON IS PASTEURIZED AND SHELF-LIFE STABLE
Orange juice in paper carton is more shelf-life stable than freshly-squeezed. It has undergone pasteurization, a type of food preservation method. This mild heat treatment is used generally to destroy pathogens (disease-causing bacteria), inactivate enzymes, and extend shelf life. This is the same method used for liquid egg, milk, and beer. But in the case of fruit juices, the main goals are to lower the bacterial count and inactivate enzymes since fruit juices typically do not contain pathogenic microorganisms.
Another reason for its stability is the preservatives it contains. Common preservatives used for orange juice include citric acid, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid.
If you bought orange juice in carton displayed on a shelf, you can safely store it in the pantry or in a cool, dark place. This type of product is pasteurized and contains preservatives so it is safe unrefrigerated. Unopened, it can last for up to 1 to 1 1/2 years. After being opened, carton orange juice has a shelf life of 7-10 days on average. This can, however, vary depending on the brand and storage conditions. Before consuming any juice, always check the expiration date on the carton and discard any juice that appears spoiled or smells sour.
Another type of orange juice is that found in the refrigerated section of supermarkets. Supermarkets store this type to keep it fresh and prevent it from spoiling. If you purchased orange juice from the chilled section, do the same thing when you get home—store it in the refrigerator if you do not intent to consume it immediately. It will spoil in 2 hours If left unrefrigerated. Unopened, refrigerated store-bought orange juice should be safe to consume 2 weeks past its printed best-by date. If opened, consume it within 7 to 10 days.
WHY ORANGE JUICE GOES BAD
Orange juice spoils due to oxidation, which results in a sour taste and a change in color. When you open a container of orange juice, it begins to oxidize, allowing microorganisms to enter. Furthermore, if the juice contains pulp, the pulp will become bitter. Pulpy juice is especially susceptible to bacterial growth and fermentation, a process where the sugars are converted to alcohol. Even if the orange is not opened, the natural sugars in it will begin to convert into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Because of the fermentation process, the juice tastes like wine or beer. Fermentation in the juice has started if it has become fizzy.
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If an orange juice is already spoiled, there are several signs that will confirm it.
Fresh orange juice is sweet and fruity. But a spoiled one is sour or acidic. The odor resembles vinegar or alcohol. And when you taste it, it is either bitter or fermented (like wine). It’s important to remember that juice can still contain harmful bacteria even if there are no obvious signs of spoilage.
In packaged orange juice, one good indication is the bulging of the container. Gas has already been produced inside as a result of fermentation so discard it.
