How Long Does Orange Juice Last in the Fridge?
I remember when I was younger, my mom would always tell me to finish my orange juice as soon as possible because it would go bad quickly. I never really understood why, but now that I’m older, I know that orange juice does indeed have a limited shelf life.
So, how long does orange juice last in the fridge? The answer may surprise you: it actually depends on a number of factors, including the type of orange juice, how it was processed, and how it’s stored.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect the shelf life of orange juice and provide you with some tips on how to make it last longer.
Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of Orange Juice
The following factors can all affect the shelf life of orange juice:
Type of orange juice
– Fresh-squeezed orange juice has the shortest shelf life, lasting only 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
– Pasteurized orange juice has a longer shelf life, lasting up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
– Shelf-stable orange juice has the longest shelf life, lasting up to 2 years unopened.
Processing method:
– Pasteurization is a process that heats orange juice to kill bacteria.
– Unpasteurized orange juice has a shorter shelf life than pasteurized orange juice.
– HPP (High-Pressure Processing) is a newer processing method that uses high pressure to kill bacteria.
– HPP orange juice has a longer shelf life than pasteurized orange juice.
Storage conditions
– Orange juice should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.
– Orange juice that is stored at room temperature will spoil quickly.
– Orange juice that is frozen can last for several months.
Tips for Making Orange Juice Last Longer
Here are a few tips for making orange juice last longer:
Buy pasteurized or HPP orange juice
– Pasteurization and HPP are both effective methods for killing bacteria and extending the shelf life of orange juice.
– Choose orange juice that has been processed using one of these methods if you want it to last longer.
Store orange juice in the refrigerator
– Orange juice should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.
– Do not store orange juice at room temperature, as this will cause it to spoil quickly.
– If you are going to freeze orange juice, do so in a freezer-safe container.
Drink orange juice within a few days of opening it
– Once orange juice is opened, it will start to lose its nutrients and flavor.
– Drink orange juice within a few days of opening it to enjoy it at its best.
FAQs About Orange Juice Shelf Life
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about orange juice shelf life:
Q: How long does fresh-squeezed orange juice last in the fridge?
– A: Fresh-squeezed orange juice lasts for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: How long does pasteurized orange juice last in the fridge?
– A: Pasteurized orange juice lasts for 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
Q: How long does shelf-stable orange juice last unopened?
– A: Shelf-stable orange juice lasts for 2 years unopened.
Q: How long does orange juice last in the freezer?
– A: Orange juice can last for several months in the freezer.
Conclusion
The shelf life of orange juice depends on a number of factors, including the type of orange juice, how it was processed, and how it’s stored. By following the tips in this article, you can make your orange juice last longer and enjoy it at its best.
Are you interested in learning more about the shelf life of other foods? If so, be sure to check out our other article on the topic.
