Do you have a bottle of lime juice stored in your refrigerator? Not sure whether it’s safe to use? We’ve got all these answers for you to know how long lime juice lasts in different conditions.
Fresh lime juice can last for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. On the other hand, bottled lime juice can last for several months when stored in a cool, dry place due to the presence of preservatives.
Lime juice is a citrus juice extracted from fresh lime. It has a tart and acidic flavor. It is used as a flavoring agent in recipes and drinks like cocktails and mocktails. The shelf life of lime juice depends on several factors.
With so much difference between the shelf life of fresh and bottled lime juice, it is important to know the proper storage methods in order to determine whether it’s safe for consumption. Let’s find out how long lime juice can last.
How Long Does Lime Juice Last?
| Type | Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Opened Bottle | Not recommended | Plus 6 to 12 months after the expiration day |
| Unopened Bottle | Last 2-3 months after the best-by-date | Lasts till best-by-date. |
| Fresh Lime Juice | Not recommended | 2- 3 days after squeezing |
Among the various factors that affect the shelf life of lime juice, its storage is the most important factor in determining its quality, whether you make it yourself or buy it from the store.
In comparison to other juices, lime juice has a longer shelf life because of its acidic composition. However, in the case of bottled lime juice, the addition of preservatives further extends its shelf life.
Homemade lime juice should be consumed right away or kept in the refrigerator. When refrigerated in an airtight container, it stays in good condition for 2 to 3 days.
If left on the counter, lime juice will turn brown rapidly. Its smell can also turn unpleasant.
Store-bought lime juice has a significantly longer shelf life. An opened bottle of lime juice can stay in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 months after the expiration day.
An unopened bottle of lime juice can stay in the pantry for 2 to 3 months past its best-by date and 12-15 months in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Lime Juice?
Freezing lime juice is a great way to extend its shelf life. This way, you can preserve its freshness, quality, and taste. Lime juice can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can freeze lime juice by following the steps below.
- Take a fresh lime and squeeze the juice in a bowl using a lemon squeezer or by hand.
- Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Pour the strained juice into an ice cube tray or an airtight container. Place it in the freezer.
- When you’re ready to use the frozen lime juice, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
How Long Is Lime Juice Good After The Expiration Date?
A store-bought bottle of lime juice may stay in good condition if stored properly. However, it should be noted that the bottle comes with an expiration date for a reason.
This date indicates the time frame during which the manufacturer guarantees the product’s quality and safety.
Therefore, consuming lime juice after the expiration date is not advisable. It can contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness. If you are unsure about the freshness of your lime juice, it is always better to discard it.
How To Tell If Lime Juice Has Gone Bad?
Lime juice has a longer shelf in comparison to other juices because of its acidity, which makes bacterial growth slow.
However, that doesn’t mean it can be consumed forever. It still goes bad beyond a point. Let’s look at all the indicators that tell that lime juice has gone bad.
Appearance
If the lime juice has turned brown in color or has a cloudy appearance, it is a sign that it may have gone bad. Fresh lime juice should be clear and have a light green color.
Smell
Bad smell in food products is the first indicator of spoilage. Similarly, if your lime juice does not smell like fresh citrus or has an unpleasant or off smell, it’s time to remove it. Fresh lime juice should have a citrusy and pleasant aroma.
Taste
A sip of lime juice can also help you identify its freshness. If your lime juice tastes sourer, bitter, or rancid and has lost its citrus freshness, it means it has gone bad.
Texture
If the lime juice has become thicker in consistency or has developed any lumps, it is a clear sign of spoilage. Fresh lime juice should be smooth and liquid.
How To Store Lime Juice To Extend Its Shelf Life?
Storing lime juice the right way can help in extending its shelf life. Find out all the ways to store lime juice properly.
Keep It Away From Sunlight
The first rule to store lime juice and maintain its freshness is to keep it out of the sun. Food items deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.
The same goes for lime juice. Lime juice should be stored in an airtight bottle, away from sunlight. This ensures its taste and appearance stay intact.
Refrigerate It
Lime juice should be stored at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below in the refrigerator. The container should be placed in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the back or bottom shelf, to ensure the juice stays cold and fresh.
However, it should be noted that refrigeration cannot keep your lime juice fresh forever. You should use it as soon as possible.
Freeze It
Freezing is one of the best options if you need to store lime juice for an extended period. You can freeze lime juice in an airtight container or ice cube tray.
Frozen lime juice can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Thaw the juice in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a suitable container when needed.
Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Lime Juice
- Buy fresh limes: The lime juice’s freshness depends on the limes used to make it. To make good quality lime juice, look for firm and shiny limes that are heavy in size. Avoid soft, shriveled, or limes that have mold on them.
- Store them properly: Storing whole limes properly can help extend the shelf life of the lime juice. Whole lime should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Use clean utensils and containers: When extracting juice from limes, use clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the limes, and use clean cutting boards and knives.
- Freeze the juice: Lime juice can be frozen in ice cube trays or airtight containers for up to 6 months. This is a great way to preserve lime juice if you have more than you need or want to store it for future use.
Conclusion
Storing lime juice is not a difficult process. However, you must follow proper storage rules to extend its life. I hope this article has answered all your questions about lime juice storage.
If you have other questions about lime juice or want to share more experiences with lime juice, do share them with us in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does lime juice go bad?
Lime juice goes bad when not stored in proper conditions.
How long does lime juice last in the fridge?
Freshly squeezed lime juice that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 2 to 3 days.
Is it okay to use expired lemon juice?
Lime juice can be used after expiration if it tastes and smells fine if stored properly.
How long does bottled lime juice stay in condition?
The unopened lime juice will remain in good condition even after crossing its ‘best by date.’
How long does freshly squeezed lime juice stay in the refrigerator?
Freshly squeezed lime juice can stay in good condition for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What factors indicate that lime juice has gone bad?
A foul smell, taste, and cloudy signify that lime juice has gone bad.
