You are very confused about the question that do you have to refrigerate apple juice? Specially, we don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a tall glass of delicious apple juice. When craving that sweet taste, it’s natural to want to whip up a jug!
But does refrigerating apple juice make it more refreshing? According to the experts, it sounds like an innocent question, but there is no definitive answer.
This post will explore the reason for this ambiguity and what some small-batch juices are doing about it.
What Is Apple Juice?
Apple juice is, without a doubt, one of the most popular fresh juices and one of the most versatile.
You’ll find it in soda machines, coffee shops, and convenience stores – even as a topping on ice cream or yogurt. It’s also a sweetener in many baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and pies. Coupled with ice and lemonade, you can make up to 10 gallons of apple juice!
Does Apple Juice Rot?
Interestingly, we often hear the question ‘does apple juice go bad?’ but never any discussion of it simply ‘rotting.’ The reason for this is because a high quality, natural, preservative-free apple juice won’t go bad as quickly as you might imagine.
But does it rot? Well, technically, it could be if you were stupid enough to leave it out on the counter and go away on holiday.
Is Apple Juice Safe At Room Temperature?
Theoretically, room temperature wouldn’t hurt it for longer periods, but there’s always that risk of contamination from foreign matter.
Foreign matter is any tiny substance not part of the juice, such as dust, smoke particles, or even tiny bugs. This can be prevented by storing apple juice in a cool and dark place, not in direct sunlight or on top of a hot appliance.
Does Apple Juice Expire?
Apple juice doesn’t ever expire. It would take longer than the shelf life of almost any product you can buy in a grocery store! But it’s still important to follow the storage instructions and keep it away from bugs.
How Do You Know That Apple Juice Has Gone Bad?
If your apple juice has gone off, it will taste terrible. At this point, you should start doubting the quality of the juice – and probably throw out any that you have left. But what about if it’s just gone a bit sour?
For most apple juices, this effect is caused by the natural breakdown of sugars in the juice, known as ‘souring’. You can prevent this by always using fresh fruit and ensuring you wash all of your produce properly to avoid unwanted creatures getting a hold of your juice.
How Long Should Apple Juice Be Out?
The shelf life of apple juice is exceptional for several reasons. Firstly, it’s preservative-free, so it will never go bad. Instead, the natural sugars in the juice start to break down and ferment into a ‘sour’ taste at around 7-8 weeks.
This means that if you buy some juice straight from the store, you can keep it for months after opening – assuming no contamination has occurred! However, many natural juices are available that will spoil within hours of opening.
Do You Have To Refrigerate Apple Juice?
It depends on whether the apple juice is freshly squeezed or commercially processed.
Freshly squeezed apple juice should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause spoilage or illness.
Commercially processed apple juice that is sold unopened in airtight containers can be stored at room temperature until the expiration date. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consume within 7 to 10 days to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
It is always best to check the label for storage instructions and follow them to ensure safety and quality of your apple juice.
Conclusion
It depends on the juice. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions as they change slightly from brand to brand.
If you’ve ever made your apple juice at home, then you know this already. The great thing about making your own is that you can refrigerate it straight after blending for maximum freshness and taste.
