Perhaps you extracted too much orange juice because you were a little overexcited about that picnic. It would be a shame to throw away all that orangey goodness.
Reluctant to discard the excess, you may want to store it away but you need to know how long freshly squeezed orange juice lasts. Here’s what I found out!
How Long Does Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Last?
Freshly squeezed orange juice will last for two to three days if refrigerated and will retain its quality for about two to three months if frozen. Moreover, freshly squeezed orange juice stowed away at a constant 0°F will retain freshness indefinitely. However, you’ll have to consume it within four months to avoid flavor loss.
If you’re thirsty for more information about all things related to the shelf life of freshly squeezed orange juice, keep on reading!
Does Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Go Bad?
Freshly squeezed orange juice goes bad when exposed to warm temperatures due to the presence of microorganisms in the air.
Additionally, freshly squeezed orange juice will also go bad even when you store it in a cool, dry place because it is a natural food product.
Like all other products, freshly squeezed orange juice has a consume by date. This is because orange juice undergoes oxidation after some time which yields to spoilage.
How Long Does Fresh Orange Juice Last In The Refrigerator?
Freshly squeezed orange juice will retain its quality in the refrigerator for two to three days if you extract it using a citrus press.
However, if you use a centrifugal juicer when squeezing your natural oranges, the juice will last for twenty-four hours at best because it is exposed to heat and friction.
Another factor to consider if you want to know how long your freshly squeezed orange juice is the quality of the fruit used.
If you use overripe oranges, then chances are the juice you extract won’t last very long.
How Long Does Fresh Orange Juice Last In The Freezer?
Low temperatures can help stave off the growth of microbial organisms and prolong your orange juice.
As such, storing fresh OJ in the freezer can extend its shelf life to about three to four months rather than a few days.
Additionally, if you keep your frozen fresh orange juice in the freezer at a constant 0°F then it will last almost indefinitely.
However, it is recommended that you consume it within four months to avoid deterioration of flavor.
How Long Does Frozen Fresh Orange Juice Last When Thawed?
Frozen fresh orange juice will last for two to three days when defrosted in the refrigerator. Any longer than that and the juice will separate.
On the other hand, if you thawed your frozen OJ in the microwave or by dousing it in water, you should consume it immediately.
Additionally, once you have defrosted your frozen orange juice, refreezing it is possible but at a huge cost.
You’ll find that the flavor gets worse with each time and the liquid part separates and the pulp settles at the bottom.
Does Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Last Longer Than Store-Bought Orange Juice?
Fresh squeezed orange juice does not last longer than store-bought ones because it is organic and all-natural.
Since it does not contain added preservatives to extend shelf life, freshly squeezed OJ is more susceptible to spoilage than commercial ones.
In addition, freshly squeezed orange juice has not undergone pasteurization or any high-pressure process to eliminate bacteria.
This will lead to faster fermentation regardless of whether you expose it to room temperature or the coolness of the fridge.
How To Tell If Your Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Has Gone Bad?
You can tell if your freshly squeezed orange juice has gone bad when you pour it into a transparent container and find discoloration or signs of mold.
An acrid, vinegar scent rather than a sweet, fruity smell is yet another sign that your freshly squeezed orange juice has gone bad.
Additionally, if your freshly squeezed OJ appears extra fizzy and tastes like spoiled wine, then it has already spoiled.
Can You Drink Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice That Has Fermented?
Drinking freshly squeezed orange juice that has already fermented will give you indigestion and other stomach problems.
If freshly squeezed orange juice has randomly gone bad, then harmful microorganisms will have contaminated it.
However, orange juice intentionally fermented in a controlled environment does not contain bad bacteria and yeast and will not cause gastrointestinal issues.
If you want to learn more about orange juice, you can see our related posts on how to make orange juice without a juicer, how many oranges to make a cup of juice, and how much orange juice there is in one orange.
Conclusion
Freshly squeezed orange juice lasts for two to three days when kept in the refrigerator but will last even longer for two to three months when frozen.
If stored at a constant 0°F, freshly squeezed orange juice can retain its quality for an indefinite time.
Freshly squeezed orange juice has a short shelf life because it has no preservatives and does not undergo pasteurization or other bacteria treatment processes.