If you are reading this article now, it means you are health-conscious, aren’t you? You might have come to realize how long fresh juice lasts after wasting a lot of juice. I understand you are probably busy and may not have enough time to make fresh juice every day, which is why you want to store it to consume throughout the day or over 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 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
- Centrifugal Juicer
- Masticating Juicer
- Hydraulic Press Juicer
- Twin Gear Juicer
- Use a Mason Jar
- Fill the Container properly
- Adding Lemons
- Vacuum Seal
- Store the Juice Right Away
- Buying Organic Products
- 1. How long does fresh juice last in the fridge?
- 2. Can you store fresh juice in mason jars?
- 3. How long does orange juice last in the fridge?
- 4. Can you store fresh juice?
- 5. Can I juice a day in advance?
- 6. How long can you store fresh juice from a juicer?
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)
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?
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 adequately conveyed in words alone. That’s why this article delves deeper into your quest, providing thorough guidance. By following the outlined suggestions and estimations above, you may extend the shelf life of your raw juice to 3-5 days. However, keep in mind that changes in color, taste, and smell may occur, indicating significant oxidation and deterioration of the juice. Despite having a good juicer and storage process, it is better to consume it immediately to reap the benefits.
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