Lemon juice is more than just a favorite drink of many people. It tastes great and it even has health benefits. Of course, all of this won’t be the truth if it has expired.
The first thing you should know is that lemon juice can expire and in that case, it isn’t a great choice for drinking, simply because it can cause issues with digestive tract.
On the other side, the answer on the how long it can last, question is far more complicated. In any case, you should pay attention to the expiration date and avoid drinking lemon juice that is too old.
Time during which lemon juice should be used
The situation with the expiration date of lemon juice is a bit complicated, simply because there are a lot of different types of this juice. Also, there are differences between homemade lemon juice and packaged bottles you can buy. This should be taken into account, if you are planning to go on a trip, or to go somewhere away from your home. Luckily, once you get an idea, how long lemon juice can last, you won’t have any issues with the expiration date.
Homemade juice has a lot of benefits and most people claim that it tastes better than juice you can buy. On the other side, some individuals don’t like to make it, because it may be a time consuming process. In any case, you must know that this type of lemon juice can last a few days, maximum. It is the best thing you can do to drink it during that period. This applies even if the juice has been stored properly. In general, it can last up to 2 days, so it isn’t recommended to drink it after that time.
Lemon juice that can be bought in grocery shops is completely different. Due to the fact it contains preservatives, it can last for a few tears, but only if a bottle isn’t open. On the other side, if you open a bottle, it can last for 6 months, once again, only if it is stored properly. It is mandatory to drink it during that time frame and to avoid drinking lemon juice that has been opened for longer than 6 months. In addition, this also applies if the juice has been stored properly.
Sadly, different manufacturers use different techniques for preserving the lemon juice, so this must be taken into account as well. For example, some of them use less powerful preservatives, so their juices cannot last long. In this case, they can last up to one year, if the bottle is closed and stored properly. It is the best thing you can do to read the label on a bottle, in order to get the idea, how long that lemon juice can last.
Homemade and commercial lemon juice – Which is better?
The answer to this question is very simple. In general, homemade lemon juice is a better choice, simply because it doesn’t contain preservatives, nor anything else that is artificial. At the same time, it is always fresh and it has a better taste. Keep in mind that this type of lemon juice lasts shorter, so it must be used in a few days.
The commercial lemon juices you can buy contain preservatives that are not something you really want to drink. Thanks to them, they can last for a longer period of time and they have different taste, but drinking too much of them isn’t as good as drinking homemade juice. In addition, some manufacturers add a lower amount of preservatives, so they are a bit better choice that has to be taken into account. The latest addition are lemon juices that are commercial, but they don’t contain preservatives. In any case, they are the best and the safest choice.
Storing lemon juice property
Luckily, when it comes to storing the lemon juice, the situation is very simple. However it is different for homemade and commercial juices. Homemade lemon juice must be kept in a refrigerator, for a few days. Keep in mind that it is rich in vitamin C, and this vitamin will dissolve after a short period of time, so it should be used as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you should close the jar or a bottle. The best thing you can do is to make a smaller amount of the juice and drink it as soon as possible.
When it comes to the commercial lemon juice, it can be stored in dry and cool place, as long as it isn’t opened. Once you open the bottle, you should store it in a refrigerator. The time for how long it can stay opened depends on the amount of preservatives the manufacturer added. Those juices that have a higher amount can stay fresh for a longer period of time. Those with a lower amount will last for a shorter period of time.
Storing lemon juice on a room temperature
Due to the fact most people keep the lemon juice in their living room, because it is a great addition to you and your guests, this factor must be mentioned. This is a mistake, simply due to the fact the lemon juice will spoil after a shorter period of time, and lose all its properties. It is mandatory to drink fresh, homemade lemon juice as soon as possible, in order to get all the benefits of it. In addition, it must be stored in a refrigerator, simply because it will last for a longer period of time and it will be more delicious as well.
Summary
The situation with a lemon juice is simple. The first fact you should know is that it can go bad and you should avoid drinking that lemon juice.
On the other side, homemade juice must be kept in a refrigerator, in order to prolong its use. Commercial lemon juice must be kept in a cool place, until you open a bottle. In that case it has to be placed in a refrigerator as well.
