Cranberry juice has several health benefits, the reason why some of us go to the extent of hoarding it. However, somehow you ended up with more than you needed. Now, if you’re wondering what to do, stay hooked to get acquainted.
Here is a perfect guide to help you with the storage techniques, longevity, and signs to tell if your cranberry juice has gone bad. Let’s get started!
How long does Cranberry Juice last?
After opening, cranberry juice that has been stored refrigerated for a long time will last for around 2 to 3 weeks.
Freeze opened cranberry juice to prolong its shelf life. To freeze cranberry juice, store it in a sealed container with at least 1/2 inch headspace at the top, as juice expands when frozen.
Manufactured cranberry juices are pasteurized before packaging or canning. Fruit juices typically have an expiration date of 7 months to a year on their label. On the other hand, your favorite fruit juice may stay longer if stored sealed.
Furthermore, manufactured fruit juices are frequently not natural and contain added sugar and preservatives. These ingredients aid in preserving the freshness of the juice for a longer period of time.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, if a delicate food item is left open and unrefrigerated for more than two hours, its product safety and quality are compromised. If you’ve already opened the cranberry juice can or bottle, keep it refrigerated or frozen.
However, because fresh cranberry juice contains no preservatives, it spoils more quickly. If you want to preserve the quality of your fresh cranberry juice and your health, keep it refrigerated at all times and drink it within a few days.
| Stored at room temperature | Stored in the refrigerator | Stored in the freezer | |
| Refrigerated cranberry juice (unopened) | Will last for 2-3 hours | Will last upto the best by date + 1-2 more months | Will last for 8-12 months |
| Refrigerated cranberry juice (opened) | Will last for a Few hours | Will last for 2-3 weeks | Will last for 8-12 months |
| Unrefrigerated cranberry juice (unopened) | Will last upto the Best by date + 6-9 months | Will last for 2-3 weeks | Will last for 8-12 months |
| Unrefrigerated cranberry juice (opened) | Will last for 2-3 days | Will last for 2-3 weeks | Will last for 8-12 months |
How to tell if your Cranberry Juice has gone bad?
There are a few indicators that help you in figuring out if your cranberry juice is still good or not. They are-
Visual indicators:
Visual indicators are an excellent way to determine whether cranberry juice has started to deteriorate. Look for evidence of mold or other pollutants in the juice.
If kept open for too long, cranberry juice may mildew like many other beverages. When mold begins to grow on the surface of the juice, it is ruined and should not be drunk.
Furthermore, if the bottle bulges or appears to have puffed up, there has most certainly been some fermentation, and the juice should be dumped.
Bubble formation:
Another clue that the juice has deteriorated is the appearance of little bubbles that float to the surface. These bubbles may signal that the juice has started to ferment.
Smell:
If you anticipate decomposition, smell the cranberry juice; if it smells acidic, like wine or vinegar, it has gone bad and should not be drunk.
Sedimentation:
While sediment may indicate deterioration, it is a common feature of many cranberry juice varieties, particularly those sold in health food stores.
Before presuming that the sediment implies that something has gone wrong, look for other indicators of deterioration.
What happens if you drink expired cranberry juice?
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, cranberry juice, just like other juices, is fit for consumption after its expiry deadlines as long as it is maintained at the appropriate temperatures.
The labels on food packages refer to the quality of the food, not to its safety. You won’t get sick from drinking outdated juice, but you might not like the taste.
Result of drinking expired cranberry juice:
The longevity of unopened cranberry juice is twelve months. However, whether refrigerated or not, juice can deteriorate once opened. Spoiled juice has an unpleasant odor and smell, and it will give you stomach problems and diarrhea if you consume it.
Serious illnesses that can be caused:
Pasteurization is a bacteria-killing heating procedure. Bacteria can thrive in unpasteurized or inadequately pasteurized juice, causing serious food-borne illnesses like E. coli and cryptosporidium infections. Juice that has been poorly pasteurized, in addition to spoilt juice, can make you unwell.
General guidelines:
It is critical to follow food safety guidelines to keep yourself safe. If juice has gone bad or is about to go bad, don’t buy it. Refrigerate your juice once it’s been opened.
Within seven to ten days, refrigerated juice should be consumed. Although your juice will not perish in the fridge, the quality of your opened juice will deteriorate over time.
However, if you keep your open juice in the fridge for too long, bacteria will proliferate, attack the carbohydrates in the juice, and create fermentation.
Pasteurization has been used to kill microorganisms in most juices available in supermarkets. The FDA mandates that all packed juices sold in stores bear a warning label if they have not been pasteurized.
However, warning signs on freshly squeezed juices sold in single portions are not required by the FDA.
Can you freeze Cranberry Juice?
Cranberry juice freezes reasonably well. If you’re going to drink it, you’ll find a difference in flavor, but if you’re going to put it in juices and smoothies with other things, you shouldn’t detect anything whatsoever.
Cranberry juice can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months. After that, the texture and taste will change due to thawing. Although, you can keep it for upto 12 months in the refrigerator.
Full cartons, airtight containers, thick freezer bags, or even an ice cube tray can all be used to freeze cranberry juice. You have a few alternatives when it comes to freezing cranberry juice.
It’s really simple to freeze cranberry juice. You may either store it in large batches to defrost and drink later or use it for cooking at a later time.
Tip-
All beverages expand when frozen, so irrespective of the container you’re using, make sure there’s enough area for some expansion.
What is the best way to store Cranberry Juice?
Refrigeration:Â
Transfer the cranberry juice container to the refrigerator once the juice has been opened. Also, constantly ensure to cap it before properly putting it in the fridge. After opening, cranberry juice kept chilled for a long time will last for around 2 to 3 weeks.
Cool and Dry place:
For the cranberry juice, please keep it in a cool, dark area separate from light and heat sources as long as the container is sealed. The safest choice is to use a pantry shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-
What happens if you consume cranberry juice regularly?
According to WebMD, if you consume more than a liter of cranberry juice each day, it might induce stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes even kidney stones.
Can cranberry juice be taken on an empty stomach?
Fresh cranberry juice can help you lose weight. Consume a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This will assist you in starting your day on a positive note.
Does cranberry juice raise blood pressure?
No, it is a wrong notion. Cranberries and cranberry juice contain potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities that help minimize and decrease inflammation inside blood vessels, reducing an unwanted rise in blood pressure.
The bottom line-
The health benefits of cranberry juice make it a perfect candidate for a balanced diet. It helps in the regulation of blood pressure and helps in reducing weight effectively.
It is easy to freeze and can be turned into popsicles or smoothies, which can help you overcome its bland taste. It is also easier to tell if cranberry juice has gone bad or not.
Since it comes with several benefits, it should be a necessary part of your diet. Rather than consuming it daily, try drinking it at least three to four times a week.
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