Do you enjoy fresh juice straight from the source? If so, you will be interested in finding out how to keep it fresh for as long as you possibly can. There is nothing worse than going through all of the effort to squeeze your delicious lime juice for it to go off in a matter of days, simply because you didn’t store it in the correct manner.
Well not to worry, as in this article we look at the topic of how long does fresh squeezed lime juice last, and citrus juices in general, and share some useful tips on how you can keep your juice, well, fresh!
How long should fresh juices be stored?
The amount of time that you store freshly squeezed juice largely depends on a few different factors. This includes:
- The type of juicer that was used – several types produce higher quality juices which would be more resistant to oxidization happening.
- The produce being juiced – citrus juices such as lime and lemon tend to last a lot longer in comparison to apples which tend to oxidize more rapidly.
- The way in which the juice is stored – lasts less amount of time if kept at room temperature and uncovered.
As we are focusing on lime juice in this article, we will now continue with the best ways and methods to keep it fresh and how to do it correctly.
Keep it Refrigerated
This probably goes without saying, but if you really want your lime juice or any other citrus juice to stay fresh for a longer amount of time, then storing it in the fridge freezer is the best way to go about this. If you want to maximize its shelf life, then it is recommended to keep the juice completely covered in either an airtight glass or a plastic container. You should leave at least a ½ inch headspace as the juice will expand when it freezes. Doing this will help to maintain the juice and stop it from going off.
Ice Cube Method
A popular way of freezing lime juice is by making ice cubes using the fresh juice. This is very easy to do and doesn’t take too much effort. Simply fill each cube with 1 or 2 tablespoons of fresh juice. In order to speed up the process without having to guess how much should be placed and to save you from over filling the cubes and wasting precious juice, use a measuring spoon to find out first how much liquid each individual cube holds, and then fill each one to that exact level.
When the cubes eventually freeze, you can move them into a resealable plastic freezer bag. This makes it a whole lot easier to pull out what you want. Doing this ice cube method should allow you to have cubes for up to 6 months.
How long will my juice last?
Freshly squeezed lime juice that is kept covered in the fridge is likely to last a good 2 to 3 days! This means you have more time to enjoy it rather than having to consume it all at one time. If you decide to freeze your lime juice however, then it can even last for up to 3 to 4 months, remaining safe even after this period of time. Keep in mind that when the lime juice is exposed to air, oxidation will take place which removes the freshness of it, so the more covered it is, the better it will keep.
After it has been frozen and thawed, freshly squeezed lime juice which has been defrosted can be kept for a further 2 to 3 days in the fridge before being used. If you have thawed the juice using a microwave or in cold water, however, the juice should be consumed immediately.
There are other methods which can be utilized if you are looking for a really long-term period of time to keep your juice, for example up to 1 year.
How can I tell if it’s still fresh?
The best way to find out if your lime juice is still good is to simply smell it and have a look at it. If there is a strange odor, appearance, or flavor, then you will know that it has passed its sell by date and is probably not best for consuming. If you can start to notice a slight mold over the top of the juice, then throw it away immediately.
Benefits of freezing fresh juice
If you are health conscious and like to drink only the most natural and pure drinks, then freezing your drinks is a good way to go. Why? Doing this allows you to have fresh juice more often without all of the work and squeezing each time you want a fresh drink. If you decide to dedicate a couple of hours in the day just to the juicing and squeezing process alone, then you can freeze large batches so that they are there whenever you need them!
To Conclude
Keeping your freshly squeezed juice fresh is not at all difficult if you know the right methods. If you want to save time and money, then it is important to research the best ways, so you can save time later on. Only store juice when it is absolutely necessary, as degradation occurs right after fresh juice is produced. If you do desire to store your juice, then keep these points in mind:
- Store juice for as small amount of time as possible
- Use stainless steel or glass containers to store the juice
- Remove any air from the container to make it last longer
- Use a lower RPM juicer
- Keep your juice cold by keeping it in an ice chest or refrigerator
Conclusion
Whether you decide to refrigerate or freeze your juice, you can be guaranteed that it will stay fresh for a good amount of time. Knowing the freezing secrets, you may be more motivated to start making fresh juices more often!