Does Lime Juice Have to Be Refrigerated?

Updated on April 12, 2022

Lime juice is a fresh drink from which you can reap hundreds of health benefits. Who would not want to add lime juice into their diets? It contains Vitamin C and antioxidants that clean harmful radicals in your body and prevent your body cells.

Lime juice may reduce risks for the development of cardiovascular diseases, speeds up the absorption of iron, and strengthens your immunity.

You have to be careful when you are storing lime juices. That’s when people think and ask us a question: “Does lime juice need to be refrigerated?”

That is something that we are going to discuss in our article today. With that, we will also give you some advice on how you can make sure that lime juice lasts for a long time. These storing tips will ensure that you can enjoy it every day.

Does Lime Juice Have to Be Refrigerated?

Some people prefer freshly-made lime juice over store-bought juice. If that’s the case, then you have to make sure that you place it in the fridge instantly.

Store-bought juice contains preservatives that allow it to stay outside for a long time. However, once you open it to pour yourself and your friends or family a drink – place it in the refrigerator.

Pasteurization is a process that produces store-bought juices. This process includes the heating of liquids to kill harmful microorganisms.

These pasteurized lime juices are not as healthy as homemade juices, but they can last for a long time. You have to refrigerate them at the right temperature. On the other hand, if you leave fresh lime juices outside, they may oxidize and spoil.

How long can lime juices last?

Lime juices are more acidic; thus, they prevent microorganisms from growing on them and multiplying. That is one unique natural characteristic of lime juice that makes it last longer and reduces the chances of going bad.

You don’t have to worry about making a new bottle of lime juice every day.

However, if lime juice is not stored properly, organisms like yeast and mould may start growing on them. These organisms ferment the sugars contained in lime juices and produce alcohol and a by-product called carbon dioxide.

Thus, you have to keep one thing in mind, and that is: store your lime juice under the best conditions!

To answer your question: does lime juice have to be refrigerated? Well, if you want it to taste good, then yes, it does! However, have you ever thought about how you can make sure that the lime juice you made or bought can last longer? Read the next section, then!

How to ensure that lime juice lasts longer?

The storage conditions and the temperature of the lime juice matter the most. Whether you store it at room temperature or refrigerate it, the lime juice can last for  6 to 21 days. At the same time, pasteurized lime juice can last for weeks or one to two months.

Beyond these time frames, lime juice can’t stay in the best state, and you may have to waste it.

Some people over here don’t like wasting things so you can freeze lime juice. However, freezing comes with its pros and cons.

The main disadvantage is that the taste of lime juice isn’t that good, but it will extend the shelf-time. Defrost the lime juice in your fridge. If you want to thaw it, keep it in the microwave for a few seconds and then drink it immediately.

How will I know that my lime juice has spoiled?

Over time, the quality of lime juice starts deteriorating, and it loses its sour taste. Please be warned that you must never drink sour lime juice or lead to health issues.

Make sure that you check your lime juice before you drink it. Have you ever wondered what causes lime juice to go bad?

Lime juice undergoes an enzymatic reaction that converts unique chemical compounds into a bitter and harmful substance called limonin.

You will observe some fizzing in the liquid, and the lime juice will release a pungent odour. Other than this, the colour of the lime juice will start to darken.

Yeast and mould start growing inside the lime juice as oxidation begins to occur. If you closely watch the container which is holding the juice.

You will see that the container has expanded or something is protruding out of it. These are signs of spoiled freshly-made lime juice. That’s why you have to store it properly. Otherwise, it will go not good within a day.

In addition to this, pasteurized lime juice is present in your fridge even after the expiration date. Don’t touch that juice carton! Throw it in the bin without hesitating.

Expired and pasteurized lime juices may contain viruses, bacteria, and other harmful chemicals or organisms. If you drink this, you may suffer from food poisoning. It’s better that you buy a new bottle of lime juice.

We can’t stress enough how much you should be careful before you drink the lime juice. We strongly suggest that you check the state of your homemade or pasteurized lime juice.

If you accidentally drank sour lime juice and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhoea. We suggest that you rush to see your doctor today.

Conclusion

Firstly, we hope that our brief and informative article answered your question: “does lime juice have to be refrigerated?” We have thoroughly discussed refrigeration of both pasteurized and homemade, fresh lime juices.

Indeed, this drink is nutritious and refreshing, but you must be extremely careful about storing it.

You have to make sure that you are keeping the lime juice at the right temperature. Secondly, whenever you take it out of the fridge, you must check the condition of the juice.

If it looks fresh, then gulp it up!  Otherwise, throw it away and get yourself a  new juice box or squeeze a fresh glass of juice for yourself.

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