Most grocery stores suggest that unopened containers of orange juice can be left at room temperature, yet it is best to store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve the taste and freshness.
On the other hand, when a juice container is opened, it is recommended to put it in the refrigerator due to the fact that air and warmth can cause bacteria, yeasts, and molds to grow, compromising the quality of the drink and potentially causing food poisoning.
It's worth noting that some manufacturers may recommend refrigerating even unopened orange juice to extend its shelf life and maintain its quality.
Freshly made juices (including cold-pressed juices) need to be refrigerated because they don’t go through the pasteurization process. Pasteurization requires heating the juice to high temperatures to kill bacteria, which can also weaken the beneficial nutrients and enzymes
In contrast, juicing with a press (which doesn't involve heat) is a way to preserve more nutrients and enzymes than other methods, and must be kept refrigerated at temperatures below 39 °F.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last?
Store bought orange juice that's been consistently refrigerated will last around 7 days after opening. You can preserve orange juice by freezing it if you need to keep it longer than 7 days.
If refrigerated, cold-pressed orange juice will last 4 to 5 days before going bad. You can preserve your cold-pressed orange juice by freezing it if you need to keep it longer than 4 to 5 days. However, make sure to let it thaw out completely before consuming it to prevent a diluted flavor, as the water melts at a faster rate than the vitamins.
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