How Long Does Fresh Juice Last in the Fridge or Mason Jar?

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If you’re diving into this article, chances are you’re keen on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Have you ever found yourself pouring out juice you forgot was in the fridge? Or maybe you’re too busy to whip up fresh juice daily and need practical ways to keep it fresh longer. Here’s your guide on extending your homemade juice’s shelf life, ensuring you get the most out of those nutritious sips.

Juice made with a centrifugal juicer roughly lasts about 24 hours; with a masticating juicer- your juice will last 2-3 days. But it may still depend on what type of juicer you are using, what fruits and vegetables you are juicing, and how you are storing it.

Taking a swig of fresh juice provides vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are absorbed by our bodies to boost the immune system. Is there any point in drinking empty calories and high sugar content without any real nutritional value? Therefore, you need to know how to maximize the shelf life of fresh juice while retaining its fundamental qualities.

Oxidation and its effect

Preventing oxidation is the key to keeping your juice fresh and getting the optimal amount of nutrients. When you store fresh juice for a long time, a process called ‘Oxidation’ minimizes the nutritional benefits. Buying a fresh apple/ avocado, you can keep it for 2-4 weeks. But, when you leave cutting the apple/ avocado, the apple will turn brown almost immediately, right? Not only sliced fruit change its appearance, but also it loses its nutritional value and taste.

The same thing also happens with fresh juice. To test this, leave your juice in the fridge for 2-4 weeks, and you will discover it is about to make you run like a person being chased by a dog. Exposure to oxygen is the cause of this, a process we call oxidation. The longer your juice is exposed to the surface area, the more oxidation will occur. In simple terms, oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance gains oxygen or loses electrons and hydrogen.

Type of Juicer You Use

If you are still looking up the answer to the question, it is crucial to consider the type of juicer you use first, as it also has a significant effect on it. Read on to know the differences between juicers and their effectiveness and ineffectiveness.

Centrifugal Juicer

It is also known as a ‘fast juicer’ and is particularly best for those who are in a rush. The juicing blade spins so fast to separate the juice and the pulp; thus, it sucks a lot of air into the machine. This juicer can handle both hard fruits and thick veggies. The positive aspect of this juicer is that it is swift, budget-friendly, and low maintenance, which is why it is commonly purchased.

But when it comes to health benefits, the friction of the force oxidizes the juice faster which carries away from the nutritional value and shelf life of the fruit juice. These juicers also heat up, leading your fresh juice to spoil more quickly and damaging its flavor and color. Even though fresh juice made with a centrifugal juicer can be stored only for up to roughly 24 hours, some recommend drinking it as soon as it’s extracted. This process carries away the nutritional value and shelf life of the fruit juice.

Masticating Juicer

Masticating juicers, also known as slow juicers or cold juicers, perform at a low speed and produce little or no heat during juicing. It indicates oxidation does not take place. Though it is a time-consuming process, it dramatically maximizes health benefits by retaining its freshness and nutritional value for a longer time.

Moreover, a cold juicer does a much better job juicing hard and soft fruits, thick veggies, and leafy greens with a fair amount and quality. You can preserve up to 72 hours of shelf life. In short, it is easy to take apart and clean, and it yields more juice, less foam, and drier pulp.

• Related Read: Best masticating juicers under $200

Hydraulic Press Juicer

The shelf life of your juice can last up to 3 days, and it could be even longer if you can store it perfectly because the minimum oxidation and friction are minor compared to other juicers. Hydraulic juicers provide fresh, delicious, nutritious, and foam-free juice, extracting more than 10% extra juice than any other juicers. Generally, they run quietly, and it would be fantastic if you can afford the time and expense.

Read More: Best Hydraulic Juice Presses

Twin Gear Juicer

Twin gear juicers, also known as “triturating juicers,” have two metal gears and two augers that can handle nearly anything you want to juice. This juicer’s extraction method releases more vitamins, fibers, minerals, and enzymes than regular juicers tend to lose. It doesn’t generate heat, which means it prolongs the life of your juice. The juice made with a twin-gear juicer produces rich-colored juice with a shelf life of 48-72 hours.

Related Read: KitchenAid Juicer Attachment

The Way You Should Store

Are you still thinking of knowing the impact of your storage? Apparently, it matters. Let’s find out some strategies you need to know while storing to exceed your juice’s life.

Use a Mason Jar

Using a mason jar for storing juice is better than a plastic one. A plastic jar might be an option to preserve, but it usually contains chemicals that are harmful to health, and it is also not well-airtight. Now you might have a question why should you use a mason jar? Well, it has a rough rubber seal around the lid that hinders the oxidation process, whereas plastic containers often facilitate the oxidation process. Besides getting basic nutrients by keeping in a mason jar, you can get an extra two days than a single general day.

Fill the Container properly

To maintain the nutritional value of your juice, ensure that you fill your jar to the top so that there is no space left behind. This will provide you with additional storage time while preserving the nutrients intact. If you notice that your juice is spilling over, it is a good sign that there is no room for air. This is how you can eliminate trapped air and prevent the juice from oxidizing.

Adding Lemons

Another technique to increase your juice’s shelf life is to sprinkle lemon juice or add citrus on sliced fruits and fresh juice that keeps apples, avocados, and bananas from turning brown. Because it deems the oxidation process, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh juice longer with vitamin C.

Vacuum Seal

Vacuum sealers are the most effective way to preserve food or drinks as they stop the oxygen flow and remove all the air in them. It is probably a new idea for you but very fruitful. You can buy a Vacuum Seal Kit to keep fresh juice longer.

Store the Juice Right Away

After juicing, the first and foremost preparation is to keep it in a refrigerator as soon as possible if you have the intention to consume the juice later. It would help if you didn’t keep your juice for a long time after juicing because your juice starts losing its quality and becomes inedible within 4 hours. This limited time can be lengthened up to 24 hours if it is kept in the fridge shortly.

Buying Organic Products

It is not impossible to grow your fruits and vegetables, and for this reason, it is best to buy organic produce. Organic fruits and vegetables are healthier than non-organic foods because they have been grown without pesticides made with chemicals. Additionally, you do not need to peel off fresh fruits and vegetables when you juice, as they are almost free from pesticides. Some valuable nutrients are found in the peel that you will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bottom Line

Storing juice correctly is key to maximizing its shelf life while maintaining its nutritional value. Following the tips and methods outlined here, you can enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich juice even on your busiest days. Remember, the fresher the juice, the better the benefits, so consume it as soon as possible for optimal health advantages.

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