All About Lemon juice
Your complete guide to lemon juice - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lemon juice Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lemon juice in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
freshly squeezed, refrigerated3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Significant cloudiness, darkening of color, fermented or 'off' smell (yeasty, overly sour, or putrid), visible mold growth on the surface or container.
How to Check
Smell Test: A strong, sour, or yeasty odor indicates spoilage. Visual Inspection: Look for increased cloudiness (beyond initial pulp), a duller color, or any fuzzy mold spots. Taste Test: If smell and sight are fine, a small sip will reveal a flat, bitter, or fermented taste.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight, non-reactive container (glass is ideal) to minimize air exposure and prevent absorption of fridge odors. Keep at the back of the fridge where temperatures are most consistent. Do not mix old juice with new.
freshly squeezed, frozen3-6 months (for optimal quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant flavor degradation (loss of brightness, bitterness, or 'freezer burn' taste), though it remains safe to consume much longer. Visible freezer burn (excessive ice crystals on the surface, indicating dehydration) affects quality.
How to Check
Visual Inspection: Check for excessive ice crystals or signs of freezer burn. Taste Test (after thawing): A dull, bitter, or less vibrant flavor indicates quality loss. Safety is rarely an issue if frozen correctly.
Storage Tips
Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient, pre-portioned use, then transfer cubes to a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator or use directly in cooking/drinks.
bottled (unopened), pantry12-18 months (or until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging bottle/cap, leakage, significant change in color (darkening or unusual cloudiness for clear juice), visible sediment or mold inside the sealed bottle (rare but indicates a compromised seal or product defect).
How to Check
Visual Inspection: Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date. Inspect the bottle for swelling, leaks, or any foreign matter. Sound Test: If the seal is compromised, you might hear a hiss upon opening if fermentation has occurred (discard immediately).
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade quality. The 'best by' date primarily indicates peak quality, not necessarily safety for unopened, shelf-stable products. Discard if the seal is broken or compromised before opening.
bottled (opened), refrigerated2-4 weeks (some brands up to 6-8 weeks, check product label)
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness or haziness, development of mold (fuzzy white, green, or black spots) on the surface or around the rim, a fermented, yeasty, or 'off' smell, significant change in taste (bitter, metallic, or flat).
How to Check
Visual Inspection: Look for mold, unusual cloudiness, or discoloration. Smell Test: A strong, unpleasant, or fermented odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Taste Test: If visual and smell tests pass, a small sip can confirm freshness; discard if it tastes off.
Storage Tips
Always reseal the bottle tightly after each use to minimize air exposure. Store in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door, for more consistent temperatures. Follow specific instructions on the product label, as some brands with added preservatives may last longer.