Does Lime Juice Go Bad? Yes, Yes it does!
Does Lime Juice Go Bad? – Answer – Yes, Yes, It does! Whether it’s freshly squeezed lime juice or a store-bought bottle of lime juice in question, the answer is still yes – it goes bad. Lime juice will spoil over time, and as it does so, it can cause some pretty nasty side effects like food poisoning.
Lime juice is a popular ingredient used in many dishes. Its tart, acidic flavor can really elevate a dish. So how do you know if your lime juice has gone bad? In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about lime juice spoilage, including when you should toss it and storage tips. We’ll also talk about the shelf-life difference between fresh-squeezed and store-bought lime juice. Let’s get started!
Why Does Lime Juice Go Bad?
Alright, so we identified that yes, lime juice does indeed go bad, but why? Like most citrus juices, lime juice will spoil over time. In fact, the shelf-life of fresh lime juice is relatively short – only around a week or so when refrigerated and up to a month in the freezer.
Why does it go bad so quickly? Lime juice contains high levels of citric acid and high pH (acidity), which help preserve it. But these factors alone are not enough to keep lime juice fresh for long periods of time due to the lack of preservatives. The bottled stuff from the grocery store contains preservatives to increase its shelf-life.
Does lime juice go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes, both freshly squeezed and bottled lime juice will spoil over time if not refrigerated. The shelf-life of lime juice is drastically reduced when it’s not stored in a cold environment. This goes for both freshly squeezed and store-bought. While lime juice will go bad even in the refrigerator, it essentially doubles and even triples the shelf life in some cases.
How Long Does Lime Juice Last? – The Shelf Life of Fresh and Bottled Juice
Freshly Squeezed – How long does real lime juice last in the fridge? When stored properly, you can expect freshly squeezed lime juice to last around a week or so when refrigerated. You will want to strain it first if you are going to store it in the fridge (I’ll talk more about this later). The unrefrigerated lime juice will spoil much faster.
Bottled – How long does bottled lime juice last? When stored properly, you can expect shelf-stable, bottled lime juice to last a few months to a year. When stored past its best-by date, the flavor may be affected, but overall it should still be safe to consume.
How To Tell If Lime Juice Is Bad?
There are a few ways you can tell if lime juice has gone bad:
Taste – The first and most obvious way is to taste it. If the lime juice has gone bad, you will notice a strong, off-putting flavor that is both sour and bitter at the same time. You may also notice an acrid or stale type of smell to it as well.
Appearance – The second way to tell if lime juice has gone bad is by looking at its appearance. Fresh lime juice has a vibrant yellow-green color to it, but as lime juice goes bad, its color will start to fade and turn dull greyish green.
Mold – The last way you can tell if lime juice is bad is by looking for mold growth. Freshly squeezed lime should be fine without refrigeration for about 24 hours, but after that, you will want to refrigerate it. If the lime juice was left out on the counter for more than a day and has not been refrigerated, there is a good chance mold growth has occurred.
Can you use expired lime juice?
Lime juice uses a best buy date, meaning it should still be safe to consume after that date. However, the flavor may be affected past the best buy date. Best buy dates are put on products to let you know when the quality is predicted to go down, which results in an inferior product compared to when you first opened it.
Can you get sick from old lime juice?
Yes, just like with any food, you can get sick from outdated lime juice. The risk of contracting food-borne illness is higher with freshly squeezed lime juice than the bottled stuff, but still, a possibility if stored improperly. Lime juice’s flavor will be affected before it goes bad and makes you sick, so always use good judgment when consuming products past their best by date.
Is there any way to store lime juice, so it lasts longer?
Yes, there are a few ways you can store lime juice to increase its shelf life:
Refrigerate – The most obvious way is to refrigerate it. When stored in a cold environment, real lime juice will last around one week when refrigerated. You can also freeze it for up to four months.
Freeze – If you don’t have the space to refrigerate lime juice, you can freeze it for up to four months. Just make sure to thaw it out before use and mix it well.
Canning – Another way to store lime juice is by canning it. You can find canning recipes online or in a cookbook. Just make sure to follow the proper canning instructions to avoid food-borne illness.
How To Properly Store Lime Juice – Refrigeration Tips
Freshly Squeezed – When storing freshly squeezed lime juice, you will want to strain it first. This is because the pulp and seeds can harbor bacteria that can spoil the juice. You can either use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Once strained, store the lime juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Bottled – When storing bottled lime juice, you will want to make sure the bottle is tightly sealed. Do not re-use a lime juice bottle (or any other type of food container) that has been previously opened – it can harbor harmful bacteria that may lead to spoilage over time. Store bottled lime juice in a cool and dry place like the pantry, away from light and heat until opened to maximize its shelf life.
Tips For Freezing Lime Juice – How To Freeze It Properly
Freshly Squeezed – You can store freshly squeezed lime juice in the freezer for up to four months. When freezing, you will want to strain it first (like I mentioned above). Then pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Bottled – You can also store bottled lime juice in the freezer for up to four months. Just like when storing it in the fridge, you will want to make sure the bottle is tightly sealed before freezing.
How To Thaw Frozen Lime Juice – How Best To Defrost It?
When you are ready to thaw your frozen lime juice, I recommend doing so by transferring it from the freezer to the fridge for a few hours. This will give it time to thaw slowly and not cause any off-putting flavor changes.
Does Lime Juice Go Bad – Final Thoughts
There you have it – lime juice does go bad! It can spoil from either bacteria growth or mold growth, so make sure to store your lime juice properly in the fridge or freezer. If you have any questions about anything we’ve covered in this article, ask us below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible =)
