Lime juice is a key component in the kitchen. You can use it to freshen up a salad, to mix into a cocktail or to add a tangy kick to a homemade juice. The possibilities are quite endless. If you enjoy using lime juice in your kitchen routine, you should know how to store it properly. Because, the question is, does lime juice go bad? Yes! But not to fear, we have all the information you need to know about what to look out for and how to prevent that freshly squeezed juice from going bad!
Signs To Lookout For
Lime juice does expire after a certain amount of days depending on the type of lime juice (fresh juice versus store bought juice). However, citrus fruits tend to have a longer than usual shelf life compared to other fruits. This is because bacteria has a hard time growing in them due to their high acidic properties.
It should be mentioned that one common mistake people make is thinking that since the lime juice has turned brown that means it has gone bad. That is incorrect. Like other juices (such as apple juice, for example) browning is very normal and occurs due to oxidation.
Here are a few key signs to look out for when judging if your lime juice has gone bad or not:
Sometimes the best way to test out if a juice has gone bad is by tasting it. If the flavor is more tangy than usual to the point of bitter or doesn’t have any citrus flavor at all, then it is likely time to get rid of your lime juice.
Just like tasting, giving lime juice a good sniff can also help you figure out if your juice has gone bad. If there is a weird smell that doesn’t resemble a fresh lime scent anymore then it has probably gone bad. If the scent is foul, compost like or dull then these are signs it is time to get some new fresh juice.
This one seems obvious, but can still sometimes go overlooked. Check the ‘best by date’ on bottled lime juice, manufacturers typically suggest finishing the lime juice before the expiry date. If you see that you have gone past the date, then make sure to throw it out.
Expired lime juice loses virtually all of its nutritional value! Make sure you are drinking fresh lime juice to get all of the lime’s vitamins and minerals. Lime’s are a great source of vitamin C, which can lead to better iron absorption and can help boost your immune system.
Are There Any Risks Of Drinking Lime Juice That’s Spoiled?
Lime juice itself does not cause any human health issues, but when it sits out too long in heat or expiries, you do run the risk of bacteria levels increasing in your juice. Microorganisms do produce contamination and toxins which can lead to food poisoning and food borne illness. But not to worry! All you have to do is follow expiry dates and practice some good common sense!