Lemon juice is a popular ingredient in many recipes, from salad dressings to cocktails. It’s also a great way to add a bit of brightness to your water. But does lemon juice go bad? The answer is yes. Fresh squeezed lemon juice will eventually spoil, but there are things you can do to prolong its shelf life.
How Long Does Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice Last?
Fresh squeezed lemon juice will last for about 3–4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you leave it out at room temperature, it will only last for about a day.
*PSA*: Don’t leave fresh squeezed juice at room temperature for more than a day.
Commercial brands can last much longer, from 3–12 months, depending on how you store them. This is because commercial lemon juices go through a thermal pasteurization process before being sold. This process kills any bacteria or microorganisms that may be present in the juice. The pasteurization process and added preservatives give commercial bottled lemon juice a much longer lifespan. An unopened bottle can last for 3–6 months in the pantry or 6–12 months in the fridge.
Once you open a container of lemon juice, the spoilage process begins as the fluid is exposed to air and microorganisms. Lemon juice is an ideal environment for yeast, mold, and bacteria to grow.
How to Store Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
The best way to store fresh squeezed lemon juice is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This minimizes its exposure to oxygen and microorganisms that lead to speedy spoilage. Freshly squeezed lemon juice lasts up to four days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
- Airtight Container Transfer your fresh-squeezed lemon juice into an airtight container as soon as possible.
- Refrigerate Immediately Place the airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the lemon juice fresh and to avoid oxidation.
- Use Quickly Use your lemon juice within 3–4 days for the best flavor and to avoid spoilage.
Signs That Lemon Juice Has Gone Bad
If you think your lemon juice has gone bad, err on the side of caution and throw it away. It’s not worth risking food poisoning.
Here are some signs that lemon juice has gone bad:
- Strange Odor If your lemon juice has developed a strange or off-putting odor, it’s likely spoiled.
- Change in Color Check for any unusual changes in color, which can indicate spoilage.
- Mold Look for any signs of mold growth, which means the juice should be discarded immediately.
- Bitter Taste If the lemon juice tastes bitter or “off,” it’s best not to consume it.
What to Do With a Lot of Lemons
If you have an abundance of lemons, you can prolong the shelf life of the juice by freezing it. Pour the juice into an ice cube tray and freeze for up to three months. Then, you can add a cube or two to your water, tea, or recipes as needed.
Benefits of True Lemon
True Lemon is a crystallized lemon product that can be used to add lemon flavor to your food and drinks. It has a long shelf life and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
Recipes That Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. Here are a few ideas:
- Lemonade Mix lemon juice, water, and sugar to make a refreshing lemonade.
- Salad Dressing Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a simple salad dressing.
- Marinade Use lemon juice as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Cocktails Add lemon juice to your favorite cocktails for a citrusy twist.
- Three-Ingredient Sorbet Try making three-ingredient sorbet, using the citrus peels as adorable bowls.
Final Thoughts
Lemon juice is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a lot of flavor to your food and drinks. However, it’s important to store it properly and use it within a few days to avoid spoilage. If you’re not sure whether your lemon juice has gone bad, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.