Does Lime Juice Need To Be Refrigerated?
Lime juice does not need to be refrigerated, but it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Lime juice contains citric acid, which can help to preserve it, but it can lose its flavor over time if it is exposed to heat and light. Stored in the refrigerator, lime juice can last for several weeks.
In case, you are planning on making homemade lime juice, be sure to store it in the right container or bottle, and store it in the fridge in order to maximize its shelf life. If you are one who prefers homemade lime juice to store-bought citrus juice, you will want to keep the fresh limes in the refrigerator rather than squeeze out the juice and keep them in bottles as an alternative to the store-bought version.
Lime juice, both fresh and in bottles, does indeed have a shelf life, and the way in which you decide to store your lime juice will ultimately dictate the amount of time that it stays fresh. Lime juice, whether it is bottled or fresh, is highly susceptible to heat and light, so you will want to store your juice in an airtight container, otherwise, it will spoil much faster. If you do not keep your juice refrigerated, particularly in hot weather, it will spoil in just a couple of hours. Lemon juice has a longer shelf-life as it is very acidic, but as soon as you open the container of lemon juice, you need to store it in the fridge to keep it from spoiling within hours.
| Types | Shelf Life |
| Cold-pressed Lime Juice | 5 days |
| Conventional Lime Juice | 3-5 days |
| Pasteurized lime juice | 2-8 weeks |
If you plan on keeping fresh lemons in the freezer, you can place the juice in a tray and then freeze it. If your lemon juice bottle is open now, make sure to seal tightly after using it, and refrigerate. If you know that you are going to use the entire juice in one sitting, then you can freeze it in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. When using the container to freeze your juice, be sure to leave a little room between the lid and the liquid, because the latter will expand as it chills.
Once you have opened your bottle, be sure to keep it refrigerated, as this will reduce harmful molds and bacteria from growing. Opening a bottle means that you need to keep it refrigerated, which extends the shelf life of it for six to 12 months past the best-by date. The refrigerator is where you should store this opened bottle if you want to preserve its freshness for months. Once you open the bottle of juice, it comes into contact with the air, and it will undergo oxidation, resulting in spoilage.
Technically, you can store juice at room temperature for some time, but it will turn a relatively quick brown, and will also lose its freshness. Knowing this, it is probably time to talk about storing your juice in some way so it can last for as long as possible. In some cases, you might find the juice is still fine, even after you open it, a year later.
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By using high-pressure processing, the juice is preserved without preservatives, chemicals, or heat, yet retains its consistent pH and taste four days longer than juice from strained limes at home. When comparing the shelf-life of lime juice squeezed on premise to cold-pressed lime juice from Twisted Alchemy, citrus industry thought leader Donnie Clutterbuck found Twisted Alchemys cold-pressed lime juice lasts for five days, compared with 18-24 hours of conventional lime juice. Pasteurized lime juice will last for around one or two weeks, and up to one month, under refrigeration, because it contains a certain number of preservatives and acidity regulators which help increase its shelf life. Once commercially canned, sugared lime juice is opened, it lasts between six to nine months in a fridge set to 40 degrees F. or lower.
Once opened, commercially packaged orange juice needs to be stored at room temperature, and it can last a couple of days longer at that temperature. Store bought lime juice, however, will last incredibly long — as long as 6 months after its printed date, unopened, and as long as 6-12 months after opening and refrigeration. Bottles containing larger amounts of preservatives typically last a year, while bottles containing smaller amounts of preservatives will last for around two weeks to one month, provided the bottles are not opened.
Commercially-bottled citrus juices are pasteurized, and they typically contain preservatives to help them stay fresh longer, even if you crack the seal. Some juices made for commercial purposes have more preservatives, and others have less.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferable, as it keeps the natural nutrients and vitamins. If you are planning on using lemon juice to make quick meals or refreshing drinks, then fresh juice is the best choice. Freshly squeezed juice needs to be used within two or three days, but it can last for up to four months in the freezer. Last, but certainly not least, if you purchase a bunch of limes and juice them yourself, aim to use all of this juice within a couple of days, possibly as long as a week.
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For best results, transfer the lime juice blocks into a container in the fridge, where they will last for two to three days, or thaw them using a microwave or with cold water and use immediately. These changes and the loss of nutritional value from the lime juice can be prevented by keeping it at recommended storage temperatures and using suitable packing materials to minimize the oxygen available.
Fresh lemon juice will be exposed to air, and germs may multiply more quickly; refrigeration is your best bet for keeping it fresh. Harmful spoilage microorganisms thrive at temperatures of 40-140F, so refrigeration is essential for keeping your lemon juice fresh.
How do you preserve lime juice without refrigeration?
Squeeze the juice into a bowl before pouring it into the jars. Fill the pot with water and make sure the jar is covered with at least 1-2 inches of water. Cover the pot and place it on the stove to boil the water. This method ensures that the jars have sealed properly.
How long does fresh lime juice last in freezer?
Assuming proper storage conditions, lime juice will retain its freshness for up to 3 months when frozen. To keep your lime juice fresh for as long as possible, be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. And if you plan on using it within the next few months, consider storing it in the coldest part of your freezer.
Can you get sick from expired lime juice?
It’s generally safe to consume expired lime juice, but there are a few potential risks to be aware of. The lime juice has oxidizes and the flavors have changed over time. Another is that expired lime juice may contain bacteria that can cause illness. However, the bacteria is typically only present in very small quantities.