How do you know if orange juice is bad? Orange juice is a refreshing and nutritious liquid extract of the orange tree fruit, enjoyed around the world, and naturally high in vital nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium.
It is produced by squeezing or reaming oranges to extract the juice, either by hand or using commercial methods.
Orange juice comes in several varieties, including navel oranges, tangerine, valencia orange, blood orange, and clementine.
Commercially made orange juices are often enriched with calcium and vitamin D.
So, how do you know if Orange Juice is bad?
Signs that your Orange juice is bad are;
Bulging or swollen container: if the container is swollen, it means that fermentation has taken place, so just throw it out already.
Change in color or appearance: dark spots in your juice aren’t dirt but mold.
Pour your juice into a transparent glass cup so you can see the liquid.
Check the liquid and make sure it has its normal color. If the juice has changed in color or has signs of mold or any sediment, it’s time to go.
Sour or sharp smell: if the orange juice has a sharp smell similar to that of alcohol or vinegar, it is a clear indication that it has gone bad.
Strange taste: sour or fizzy taste means it’s fermented and is no longer safe to drink.
Lastly, if you have left your fresh orange juice in the pantry for over 2 hours, no need to start investing if it’s bad or not just throw it out as it has already gone bad.
But if it is pasteurized and unopened then you don’t need to worry about it.
Can You Get Sick From Orange Juice?
Raw orange juice can give you food poisoning and cause severe stomach pain after drinking
That’s because according to U.S Food and Drug Administration, unpasteurized orange juice can contain bacteria that could lead to foodborne illness.
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Does Orange Juice Need To Be Refrigerated?
Like other juices, Orange Juice deteriorates in quality over time.
That is why they must be kept refrigerated once opened.
Some kinds of unopened packs are good to be stored in a cool dry place
While other types, especially those bought in the refrigerator department need to be stored in the fridge.
If you are confused about which should go to the fridge or not, it is best you refrigerate your Orange Juice.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last In The Fridge?
After opening, continuously refrigerated orange juice will keep for about 7 to 10 in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Orange Juice?
Yes, both freshly-squeezed orange juice and store-bought orange juice freeze well.
They can be frozen to extend their shelf-life.
Freezing your Orange Juice will not affect the quality or nutritional value rather it will ensure you keep enjoying all the health benefits of orange juice for as long as possible.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last In The Freezer?
Orange Juice that has been properly stored, and kept constantly frozen at 0° F will maintain the best quality for about 8 to 12 months but will keep safe indefinitely beyond that time.
How Do You Store Orange Juice For A Long Term
Orange Juice can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer if you intend to keep it for long-term storage.
Homemade or opened orange juice should always be stored in the refrigerator.
The longer the juice is in the fridge or freezer the longer it will last.
Ensure you don’t place your opened container in the refrigerator door as constant temperature fluctuation can spoil the juice quickly.
Pasteurization is also recommended to extend the shelf life of your Orange Juice.
Can You Drink Expired Orange Juice If It Hasn’t Been Opened?
Unopened packaged orange juice can safely go up to seven days beyond the expiration date if it has been kept refrigerated.
So you can drink it past its expiration date with no ill effects.
Packed orange juice has been pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria.
However, if it has been opened, you should drink it within 7 days regardless of its expiration date.
Is It Ok To Drink Fermented Orange Juice?
No, fermented orange juice is not safe to drink as it is a sign that it has been attacked by bacteria which led to fermentation.
Why Does Orange Juice Go Fizzy?
Once opened, the orange juice is exposed to yeasts in the atmosphere, as a result, carbon dioxide is produced by the yeast heating the sugars causing them to ferment.
What Can You Do With Old Orange Juice?
Old or expired orange juice can be used for a full body scrub.
It helps rejuvenate skin and works wonders in hair and scalp.
But in the case of 100s of bottled old orange juice, then you can turn them into fertilizer by just fermenting it and adding manure to it.
This can be sold for much higher prices or you can use it for your orange orchard.
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Does Bottled Juice Go Bad?
Yes, like everything else in the world, bottled juice does go bad.
Once the bottle is opened, it deteriorates in quality over time whether refrigerated or not.
That means that after a few days of refrigerating your opened juice, it won’t be as tasty as it was before the bottle was opened.
At a certain point, you might find out that the juice has an off odor and unpleasant flavor,
That’s when you should discard it because drinking it will cause stomachaches and diarrhea.
What Does Fermented Orange Juice Taste Like?
Fermented orange juice has a tart taste almost like Mimosa without the champagne and the taste can also be compared to that of Orangina flavor.
Does Tropicana Orange Juice Go Bad?
Yes! Just like other juices, Tropicana orange juice also has an expiration time.
This is because microorganisms infiltrate the orange juice over time as it oxidizes.
Which will cause the juice to change in color and develop an unpleasant sour taste.
How Long Does Tropicana Orange Juice Last After Opening?
After opening, Tropicana orange juice will keep for around 7 to 10 days if it has been kept chilled consistently.
This can also go for Tropicana orange juice that has been chilled in a bottle or carton.
Can You Drink Bitter Orange Juice?
Bitter orange juice may offer some health benefits when taken so it is currently considered safe to drink.
But for someone who has high blood pressure or is at high risk of heart attack or stroke, bitter orange juice is possibly unsafe.
Before taking the juice, you should seek your doctor’s option first
As bitter orange, taken by itself or with stimulants might increase the risk for high blood pressure, fainting, stroke, heart attack, and other serious side effects.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad If It Gets Warm?
Leaving perishable food like orange juice at room temperature for more than two hours is not advisable
As it could allow the growth of harmful bacteria in the juice.
What Does Bad Orange Juice Taste Like?
Bad or expired orange juice has a sour or sharp aroma and taste similar to vinegar or alcohol which is caused by the process of fermentation.
Bulged containers, discoloration, and molds are other signs of spoilage.
What Does Good Orange Juice Taste Like?
Good orange juice should have a delicious taste very similar to eating a freshly peeled orange.
This is because orange juice companies make use of unique formulations of flavor packs that make orange juice taste like itself again.
10 Best Substitutes For Orange Juice
The best substitutes for Orange Juice are;
- Pineapple juice
- Orange extract
- Apple cider vinegar
- lemon juice
- coca-cola
- orange zest
- lemon zest
- orange marmalade
- Citric Acid
Each substitute has something unique to offer, so the choice depends solely on your preference.
Why Does My Orange Juice Smell Like Eggs?
The smell of egg in your Orange Juice is a result of elevated levels of sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas present in the juice.
Does Pasteurized Orange Juice Need To Be Refrigerated?
No, provided it’s not opened, pasteurized orange juice doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
This is because the shelf-stable juice has been processed in a way that enables it to be stored in a cool, dark location until it has been opened.
Once opened then it’s time to store the pasteurized orange juice in the fridge.
Why Does Orange Juice Get Thick?
Oils in the peels are being squeezed into the orange juice during commercial production,
The oil in the juice makes it look thicker and they also have more pulp which can affect the thickness, too.
However, if lumps appear in your juice that is a clear indication that the juice is spoiled.
Does Unopened Tropicana Orange Juice Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, unopened Tropicana orange juice needs to be refrigerated because they are not shelf-stable juice
They belong to the group of orange juices sold in the refrigerated section.
Although it can withstand a short period of time unrefrigerated,
Like taking it home from the supermarket, it is recommended it should be kept refrigerated at all times.
That way, it will remain at its best quality for up to 10 days.
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Conclusion
When talking about the storage of orange juice in general, there are two kinds you need to have in mind.
The ones that require refrigeration at all times and the ones that can be kept in your store room till when it is opened.
The easiest way to tell them apart is the location you picked them from in the supermarket.
The former will be sold in the refrigerated section while the latter will be on the shelf. No matter the type of orange juice you purchase, you should always store it in the refrigerator once opened.
Remember, I started with the question ” how do you know if orange juice is bad ”