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

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If you are reading this article now, it means you are health conscious, aren’t you? You might have come to know How Long Does Fresh Juice Last after wasting a lot of juice? I know you are probably busy and may not have enough time to make fresh juice every day, and this is why you want to store to consume the whole day or a couple of days.

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 swag of fresh juice offers vitamins, minerals, and Phyto-nutrients that absorb our body to boost the immune. Is there any point in drinking empty calories and high sugar content without any real nutritional value? So, you need to know how to maximize fresh juice shelf life 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 apple/ avocado, the apple will turn brown almost immediately, right? Not only the sliced fruit changes its appearance, but also it loses its nutritional value and taste.

The same thing also happens to fresh juice. To examine, leave your juice in the fridge for 2-4 weeks, and you will discover it is about to make you run like a chased person by a dog. Exposing it to oxygen is the cause of it that we call oxidation. The longer your juice is available on the surface area, the more oxidation will be affected. 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 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 fact of this juicer is that it is swift, budget-friendly, and low maintenance, and this is why it is commonly purchased.

But when it comes to health benefits, the friction of the force oxidizes the juice faster that carries away from the nutritional value and shelf life of the fruit juice. These juicers also heat up, which leads your fresh juice to spoil more quickly. It also damages the 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, 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, clean, and it yields more juice, less foam, 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 more If you can store it perfectly because the minimum oxidization and friction are minor compared to other juicers. Hydraulic juicers provide fresh, delicious, nutritious, and foam-free juice and extract more than 10% extra than any other juicers. Generally, it runs 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 extra two days than a single general day.

Fill the Container properly

To keep your juice’s nutritional value, be insured to fill your jar up to the top so that there is no space behind it. It will give you additional storage time as well as intact nutrients. If you notice that your juice is spilling over, it is a good sign that there is no space for air. This is how you can eliminate trapped air and prevent the juice from oxidation.

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 it is 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 impossible to grow your own fruits and vegetables, and for this reason, it is best to buy organic produce. Organic fruits and vegetables are healthier than non-organic food as they have been grown using pesticides made with chemicals. You also no need to peel off fresh fruits and vegetables when you juice as they are almost free from pesticides. Some valuable nutrients possess in the peel that you are going to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does fresh juice last in the fridge?

Typically, it can last 24 hours, but it could be more if you follow the above strategies around 3-5 days at the most.

2. Can you store fresh juice in mason jars?

Obviously, you can. It is nearly safe and the most popular way to store. In one of the above points, I have explained ‘how and why it is effective.’

3. How long does orange juice last in the fridge?

A bottled or canned orange juice lasts for several months, even a year or more, because of its commercial preservation. Once you open it, it will probably be nice just for a few days. In the same way, your juice will last a couple of days.

4. Can you store fresh juice?

Personally, we don’t recommend storing juice. But if you have a hectic schedule, please maintain the above guidelines.

5. Can I juice a day in advance?

Yes, it is possible. Even it hardly loses its nutrients if stored properly.

6. How long can you store fresh juice from a juicer?

It is based on what type of juicer you have used and when you have preserved from its extraction.

Bottom Line

Sometimes the truth cannot be explained in some words. That’s why this article dealt with your quest by going deeper to guide you properly. Following the outlined suggestions and estimation above, you may exceed the shelf life from your raw juice up to 3-5 days. Keep in mind; they can get changed in color, taste, and smell, which refers to great oxidation and rotten juice. Despite having a good juicer and storage process, it is better off consuming it without storing it to be beneficial.

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