Lemon juice is a popular ingredient in kitchens all over the world. Its bright taste enhances drinks, marinates meats, and adds a zesty flavor to dressings and sauces. Because of its high acid content, many people think lemon juice doesn’t go bad, but it can. It’s important to know how long lemon juice lasts, how to store it, and what happens if you drink it after it expires.
Understanding Lemon Juice Shelf Life
Both store-bought and fresh lemon juice can lose quality over time. Bottled lemon juice has preservatives that make it last longer, but it can still spoil, especially after opening. Fresh lemon juice doesn’t have these preservatives, so it has a shorter shelf life.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lasts for 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge.
- Commercially packaged lemon juice: Can last significantly longer because of preservatives. Unopened bottled lemon juice can last a couple of months past the best-by date. If opened after the expiration date, use within 1-2 months. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and lasts for 6-12 months.
Proper storage is key to keeping lemon juice fresh. Always keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to slow down how quickly it degrades.
Spotting Spoiled Lemon Juice
It’s important to be able to tell if your lemon juice has gone bad before using it. Here’s what to look for:
- Color: Fresh lemon juice is usually a clear, pale yellow. If it turns a darker, brownish color, it may be spoiled.
- Smell: Fresh lemon juice should smell citrusy and fresh. If it smells sour or fermented, it’s probably gone bad.
- Taste: If the taste changes a lot and becomes very sour, more than the natural tartness of lemons, throw it away.
- Mold: Look for fuzzy spots on the surface of the juice, which means mold is growing.
- Fermentation: Bubbling can be a sign of excessive fermentation, which means the lemon juice is no longer good.
What Happens If You Drink Expired Lemon Juice?
Drinking lemon juice that has gone bad can be risky because of bacterial growth. You could get food poisoning, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella can grow, especially if the juice wasn’t refrigerated properly.
If you drink expired lemon juice and get diarrhea, it could be food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can appear within a few hours to two days after drinking the juice. Besides diarrhea, you might also have abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.
In most cases, food poisoning isn’t dangerous, but it can be more serious for young children, adults over 60, and people with autoimmune disorders.
How to Treat Food Poisoning from Expired Lemon Juice
If you think you have food poisoning from expired lemon juice, here’s what you should do:
- Modify your diet: Eat small amounts of bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, cooked carrots, skinless chicken, and boiled potatoes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink clear liquids to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- See a doctor: If you vomit for more than two days, have diarrhea for more than three days, have a fever over 101.5 degrees F, or think you’re dehydrated, see a doctor.
Tips for Storing Lemon Juice
To keep your lemon juice fresh as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Refrigerate: Always store lemon juice in the refrigerator in a sealed bottle or container.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze lemon juice in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. You can then thaw and use them as needed.
- Avoid contamination: Make sure to use clean utensils when handling lemon juice to prevent bacteria or mold growth.
Benefits of Fresh Lemon Juice
While spoiled lemon juice can be harmful, fresh lemon juice has several health benefits:
- Vitamin C: Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
- Antioxidants: Lemons contain antioxidants that can help protect your body against damage from free radicals.
However, keep in mind that these benefits decrease as the lemon juice spoils.
Conclusion
Lemon juice can indeed go bad, whether it’s fresh or store-bought. To ensure you’re using lemon juice at its best, always check for signs of spoilage, store it properly, and use it within the recommended time. If you’re unsure about its freshness, it’s always best to throw it away to avoid any potential health risks.