Lemon juice is a familiar ingredient in many recipes. Still, you typically only use small amounts at a time. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “How long does lemon juice last?”
From lemonade to baked goods and savory dishes, lemon juice adds a vibrant flavor to our favorite foods. However, when cooking with lemon juice, ensure that you are using unspoiled products.
The shelf life of lemon juice depends on several factors. How it is stored and the number of additional preservatives affect how long you can keep lemon juice.
A bottle of lemon juice lasts longer than fresh lemon juice because of the sulfites used to prevent bacterial growth and preserve the color.
While many people use bottled lemon juice for the convenience of the longer shelf life, some prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice for various reasons.
These rationalizations include better flavor, health concerns regarding preservatives, a preference for using authentic ingredients or enjoying the many uses of fresh lemon zest.
How Long is Lemon Juice Good for?
The natural acidity of lemons gives them a reasonably long shelf life. Lemons and limes are two of the fruits with the highest citric acid concentrations, at about 8% of their total weight.
Citric acid is what gives these fruits their tart, sour taste. It’s also routinely used as a food preservative.
For the best quality, try to use store-bought bottled lemon juice within six to twelve months of the purchase date. If you’re ever wondering how long is lemon juice good for, always be sure to check the “best before” date printed on the product’s package.
How Long does Fresh Lemon Juice Last?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice doesn’t contain preservatives and has less time to oxidize, giving it a brighter and stronger flavor. Although the difference is subtle, many people attest that using real lemon is preferable to using bottled juice.
Have you ever wondered, “How long does fresh lemon juice last?” The answer depends on how fresh the lemons are when squeezed. The shelf life of lemons is longer, and their overall quality is better when kept at cool temperatures.
The best way to preserve lemons is in the fridge. Fresh lemons are edible for up to two or three weeks when stored in the refrigerator. After squeezing fresh lemon juice, use it within two or three days. If you buy fresh lemon juice from the store, it will keep for around four to five days.
If you enjoy drinking lemonade, try this recipe for freshly squeezed homemade lemonade. When stored in a covered container, fresh lemonade lasts for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Bring one cup of water to a soft boil on the stovetop, and add one cup of sugar. Simmer and stir until the sugar totally dissolves.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow your simple syrup to cool, then cover and chill it in your refrigerator while preparing the lemons.
Cut your lemons in half and squeeze 1 3/4 cups of lemon juice. Typically, about ten lemons do the trick. Remove all seeds that fall into the lemon juice.
In glass jars or a large pitcher with a lid, combine the fresh lemon juice, chilled simple syrup, and cold water and stir well. If desired, add sliced lemons and ice cubes, and enjoy.
How Long does Lemon Juice Last when Frozen?
Freezing lemon juice is an excellent way to make lemon juice last much longer, but you may be asking, “How long is lemon juice good for in the freezer?”
If you find a great bargain on lemons at the grocery store, try juicing them and freezing lemon juice in an ice cube tray. It’s handy to have serving-size portions that are easily accessible.
Drop them in a glass of water, add them to smoothies, use them in recipes, or give your favorite drink a little extra zing. Try it with lime juice or orange juice, as well.
If you have a large quantity of lemon juice to freeze, place the frozen lemon juice cubes in freezer bags and label them with the freezing date.
You can still use as much lemon juice as you need at once without having to thaw all of it. Standard ice cube trays hold one ounce or two tablespoons of liquid per cell.
Although frozen juice kept at 0°F stays safe for consumption indefinitely, for best quality, try to use frozen lemon juice within three or four months.
Do You Have to Refrigerate Lemon Juice?
The answer to the question of, “How long is lemon juice good for?” depends on several factors. These include the lemon juice packaging, the concentration of added preservatives, and how fresh the lemons are when squeezed.
Regardless, it’s always beneficial to store lemon juice in the refrigerator or freezer. Although store-bought lemon juice in a plastic container lasts the longest, it should still stay refrigerated to avoid letting lemon juice go bad.
At room temperature, fresh lemons are edible for up to one week. With refrigeration, their shelf life is at least double.
Signs of spoilage include discoloration and a change in smell and flavor. What does bad lemon juice look like? If your lemon juice appears darker in color or has an off taste and smell, discard it immediately.
Health Benefits of Lemon Juice
There are numerous reasons to keep fresh lemon juice on hand. Lemons have various health benefits and are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium.
According to Healthline, the vitamins and nutrients found in lemons support heart function, digestive health, and even weight loss. The citric acid in lemons defends against kidney stones.
Fiber and vitamin C help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Lemon water is a popular health drink with a wide variety of benefits.
It promotes healthy skin and weight loss, aids digestion, and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Use this simple recipe to add lemon water to your daily routine.
Divide a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into eight ounces of cold or hot water. Infuse with a few slices of lemon peel if you wish. For added flavor and health benefits, add one or more extra flavorings. Stir well and enjoy.
Lemons are a beautifully versatile fruit. Useful in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as a healthful addition to drinks, there are plenty of reasons to have a supply of lemon juice on hand.
The answer to the question, “How long does fresh lemon juice last?” depends on how you store it. Be sure to freeze lemon juice before the expiration or the “best by” date listed on the product package.
We hope that you’ve found these tips about how to freeze lemon juice helpful, and that you’ll share this article about how long does lemon juice last with your family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook.