Juicing is preferred for those seeking more vitamins and minerals in their diet. Unfortunately, it can be a daunting task as it involves a lot of preparation. Making a large batch ahead beats making it daily. But how long will this homemade juice last?
Without preservatives, how long does juice retain its freshness?
Homemade juice has a shelf life of between 48-72 hours (2-3 days max). Factors that may increase or decrease this time frame include storage used, type of juice, and amount being stored.
Depending on the juicer you are using, this timeframe may vary by a day or two. As a rule of thumb, 2-3 days is the average amount of expected freshness.
Do all juices keep fresh for the same amount of time?
With all of the different combinations and recipes at your disposal for homemade juice, the short answer is no. Not all juices last the same amount of time.
This is due to the different shelf-life of vegetables, fruits, and other common items used when making juice.
Is processed juice better?
Processed juice is better at keeping fresh because of the high-content preservatives (sodium benzoate) it contains. Although non-toxic, sodium benzoate is the most commonly used preservative in store-bought juice.
It contains properties that may induce inflammation, allergies, and other health-related issues. So, although more convenient, homemade juice is always a healthier choice.
Why does natural juice expire?
Natural juice undergoes a process called oxidation. In lamens terms, when vegetables and fruits are cut and exposed to oxygen, the breaking down of vitamins begins.
In other words, when you see your fruits start to change color only a few minutes after being sliced, that is an early indication of the freshness leaving your fruit and nutrition being lost.
Tips on keeping your juice last long
Keep it Cold
As soon as you make your juice, immediately place it into cold storage. If possible, place it directly into your ice-cube molds and store it in the freezer. The cold is your friend as it will slow the inevitable oxidation process.
Add Lemon or Lime
Extending the shelf-life of your homemade juice can be achieved by adding citrus (freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice) to your recipes. It acts as a natural preservative and may add 1-2 extra days of freshness.
Also Read: Best Juicer for Lemon
Store in Air-Tight Container
To retain supreme nutrition and freshness, store your homemade juice in an air-tight container with thick insulated walls.
If this type of container is not an option, ensure to use saran wrap over the mouth of your container before placing the lid.
Also, be sure to fill your container to the brim. Remember, the less air, the less oxidation.
Freeze into Treats
Freezing your homemade juice into cubes is the ideal way of maintaining freshness. You can either store it as popsicles treat for later consumption or place it into a new batch for immediate. Either way, freezing retains your juice’s nutrition and taste.