When you buy store-bought key lime juice, you may have noticed it was sitting out on the shelf. This is because it contains preservatives to help it last longer.
Some companies also pasteurize their key lime juice to ensure any potentially deadly bacteria is destroyed.
Typically, store-bought key lime juice can sit out on the shelf for six to twelve months, and sometimes up to eighteen months in the right conditions.
Once you take it home and open it however, this changes things. How do you store opened store bought key lime juice?
Opened bottled key lime juice needs to be refrigerated after use. It will typically last in the refrigerator up to six months. Make sure to take note of the expiration date on the side of the bottle so you know when it is time to throw it out.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your key lime juice as long as possible, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Keep your hands clean before handling.
Dirty hands spread germs that can cause bacteria to grow in your key lime juice. Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap before working with your key lime juice.
2. Keep the lid on tight.
Make sure you put the lid back on tight after you open the bottle of key lime juice. Inability to put the lid back on tight risks oxidization.
Oxidization causes your key lime juice to break down faster due to excess oxygen in the product.
3. Consider switching jars after opening.
You may be better off pouring any key lime juice you bought in plastic bottles into sterile glass containers for storage.
You can sterilize a glass mason jar to store it in. This way you know the jar is sterile and not tainted with bacteria. Plus, glass seals better than plastic.
4. Glass is best.
Speaking of switching jars, another great reason to switch from plastic to glass jars is the chemicals in plastic.
Storing in glass jars not keeps your key lime juice fresher, but also prevents leaching of toxic chemicals.
5. Be a smart shopper.
When shopping for bottled key lime juice, look at the expiration date on the bottle and choose the freshest possible juice.
This way, you will know you have the freshest store-bought juice possible and it will last longer in your refrigerator as a result. Avoid purchasing any key lime juice that has a fast-approaching expiration.
6. Take note of that expiration date.
Always check the expiration date on the bottle of key lime juice before using it. It can be really easy to use the juice and then sit it in the refrigerator and forget about it for months.
You can avoid accidentally giving yourself food poisoning by making it a habit of checking first. Throw it out if it is past the expiration date.
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7. Keep it in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration is your best bet to ensuring you have the freshest possible key lime juice. Ideally, your refrigerator should be set at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Never leave it sitting out at room temperature too long.
Leaving your key lime juice sitting out at room temperature invites the acceleration of bacteria. This definitely affects freshness and quality. Make sure to put it right back after using it.
9. Consider freezing what’s left.
If your key lime juice is still within the expiration date, you can always freeze what is left to prevent waste. Freeze it in ice cube molds and when the cubes are frozen, place them in a freezer bag for storage.
10. Label to keep track.
If you decide to freeze your key lime juice, label your freezer bag with the date on the original container, as well as the date you froze them.
Know that most viable key lime juice lasts in the freezer for up to four months. Past this, your frozen key lime juice won’t be as fresh as it once was.
11. Only defrost what you need.
When working with frozen key lime juice cubes, only take what you need. The average ice cube has around 30 milliliters of liquid, so estimate what you will need for you recipe, etc. and dethaw only what is required.
12. Keep things sterile.
Whether you are putting your juice into a new container, creating a recipe, or pouring it into ice cube molds to freeze, make sure the materials you use are sterile.
This goes for containers, utensils, and other objects that come into contact with your key lime juice. Sterile materials prevent the growth of bacteria which affects freshness and quality.
13. Buy from a trusted company.
It really does matter where you source your key lime juice from.
Do your research and choose a company that puts thought and care into the bottling process so you can have the freshest product possible.
Final Notes:
Making key lime juice to last longer is a common concern for many people who make their own. If you want your homemade drinks to stay fresh, I hope you have found the easy steps above to be helpful. These tips can help keep them good, tasty and last longer.
12 Tips on Storing Freshly Squeezed (Homemade) Key lime juice
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