A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice can perk up your morning just as lemon or lime juice can add zing and brightness to sweet and savory recipes alike. Although bottled juice from the grocery store is convenient, it definitely doesn’t compare to the flavor of the fresh stuff. Whether you’re prepping cocktail recipes for a party or you have an abundance of lemons on hand, squeezing and storing fresh juice is always a good idea. But you might start to wonder how long fresh citrus juice lasts in the fridge. Here’s what you need to know about storing this zesty ingredient for all the lemon desserts and orange recipes to come.
How Far in Advance Can You Squeeze Citrus Juice?
If you have a healthy lemon tree in your backyard or scored a great deal on a bulk bag of oranges, you can squeeze the juice and enjoy it for weeks to come. Be sure to store the juice in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator to preserve the flavor and color of the juice. If you follow these steps, the juice should stay good for up to two weeks. You can also store fresh citrus juice from lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits at room temperature, but the shelf life is shorter. Freshly squeezed juice that sits out on your counter should be used within about four days.
How Can You Tell if Citrus Juice Has Gone Bad?
Unsure whether or not your freshly squeezed citrus juice is still usable? First, look at the color! If the juice is going bad, it’ll look cloudy and dark rather than clear and vibrant. Still not sure? Give it a whiff! Fresh citrus juice should smell bright and crisp. Any funky odors that make you do a double take are a sign that you should dump it down the drain.
Can You Freeze Citrus Juice?
If you really want to extend the life of freshly squeezed citrus juice, just pop it in the freezer! This is such an easy way to preserve fresh citrus juice, like lemon or lime, for future use. Store the juice in an airtight container, leaving about one inch of room for expansion, and place it in the freezer for up to six months. Or, if you’d rather store the juice in smaller portions, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray and, once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top freezer bag. Let the juice thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
