Lemon juice is a commonly used ingredient in cooking and baking. It adds bright, citrusy flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Many recipes call for just a teaspoon or tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. With only a small amount needed, what’s the best way to keep leftover lemon juice? Can it be stored in the fridge, and if so, how long does it last?
Does lemon juice go bad in the fridge?
Yes, lemon juice can go bad in the fridge over time. However, it will generally last longer when properly stored in the refrigerator than at room temperature. Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of lemon juice:
- Store in an airtight container. An opened bottle of lemon juice should be transferred to an airtight container or jar. This prevents the juice from oxidizing and losing flavor.
- Keep away from light. Store lemon juice in an opaque versus clear container, if possible. Exposure to light can accelerate spoilage.
- Refrigerate after opening. Keep lemon juice in the fridge after first use. Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 6 months.
- Use relatively quickly once bottled. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice that hasn’t been processed for shelf stability will start to degrade faster, and only last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge.
- Watch for signs of spoilage. Over time, lemon juice may start to smell or taste off, indicating it should be discarded.
How long does bottled lemon juice last once opened?
Commercially bottled, pasteurized lemon juice that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay good for about 6 to 9 months after opening. If unrefrigerated, opened bottled lemon juice will last about 3 to 4 weeks.
Here are some signs that opened bottled lemon juice has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance is cloudy or has debris/particles
- Smells off, rancid or fermented
- Mold is visible
- Tastes bitter, sour or unpleasant
How long does fresh lemon juice last in the fridge?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice that has not been processed for shelf stability will start to degrade sooner than commercially bottled juice. In the refrigerator, fresh lemon juice will last:
- 3 to 4 days in a sealed container
- 1 to 2 weeks in an airtight freezer container
- Up to 3 to 4 months frozen
To extend the shelf life of freshly squeezed juice, freeze any excess in ice cube trays or freezer bags for longer storage.
Can you freeze lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze lemon juice:
- Pour juice into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Seal the containers tightly.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.
Thawed lemon juice may have some separation, but can be shaken or stirred to recombine. It may also be more acidic tasting after freezing. Use frozen juice within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
What are signs of spoiled lemon juice?
Here are some common signs that lemon juice has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Cloudy, presence of debris or particles, layer of mold
- Smell: Rancid, off, fermented
- Taste: Bitter, unpleasantly sour, funky flavors
- Texture: Grainy, slimy
Bottled lemon juice well past its “best by” date that has been stored for a long time may be more likely to be spoiled. If in doubt, it’s best to discard lemon juice that shows any signs of degradation.
Can you restore spoiled lemon juice?
Unfortunately, there is no way to restore lemon juice once it has spoiled. The microbes and chemical changes that cause it to go bad cannot be reversed. Any lemon juice that smells, looks or tastes off should be discarded.
How should you store lemon juice?
For best quality and longest shelf life, lemon juice should be stored:
- In the refrigerator: Keep lemon juice in the fridge after opening to extend its shelf life.
- In an airtight, opaque container: An opened bottle of lemon juice should be transferred to a sealed, non-clear container or jar.
- Away from light: Exposure to heat and light degrades lemon juice over time.
- Frozen: For long term storage, freeze excess lemon juice in ice cube trays or freezer bags.
Tips for storing lemon juice
Here are some top tips for storing lemon juice to maximize freshness:
- Squeeze fresh lemons as needed. Juice stays freshest when freshly squeezed.
- Store unused juice in airtight containers in the fridge. Glass jars or bottles work well.
- Freeze excess juice in ice cube trays for longer storage. Thaw cubes as needed.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to extend the shelf life of recipes like guacamole.
- Mix lemon juice with a bit of water before freezing for easier thawing.
- Label frozen lemon juice cubes or containers with the date.
- Use within 3 to 4 months for best flavor and quality.
Can you substitute lime juice for lemon juice?
Lime juice makes a good substitute for lemon juice in a pinch. Lime juice has a similar acidity level, so it can be used in equal amounts in recipes calling for lemon juice. The flavor will be more lime versus lemon, but the overall dish should work fine.
Some tips for substituting lime for lemon juice:
- Use an equal amount of lime juice in place of lemon juice called for in recipes.
- Add lime zest for a punch of lime flavor.
- Combine lime and lemon juice for a more balanced citrus flavor.
- Adjust any added sugar or sweetener, since lime juice is slightly sweeter.
- For savory dishes, add lime juice at the end to prevent bitterness from overcooking.
Overall, lime juice makes a very convenient backup option when you’re out of lemons or lemon juice in the fridge has gone bad and needs to be tossed.
What to substitute for lemon juice?
When life gives you no lemons, here are some handy ingredient substitutes for lemon juice:
| Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lime juice | 1:1 | Adds similar acidity and citrus flavor |
| White vinegar | 1:3 (vinegar to lemon juice) | Has a sharper taste; start with less |
| Orange juice | 1:1 | Works best in lighter dishes |
In a pinch, small amounts of lemon juice can be omitted from recipes entirely or replaced with a splash of vinegar or white wine for acidity.
How to tell if lemon juice is bad?
Here are some simple ways to tell if lemon juice has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Smell – Has an unpleasant, off smell instead of citrusy aroma
- Appearance – Cloudy, presence of debris or particles
- Taste – Bitter, sour, or rancid instead of bright and tart
- Texture – Grainy or slimy rather than smooth
- Color – Dull, muddled or browned rather than vibrant yellow
Bottled lemon juice far past its expiration date or that has been left unrefrigerated and open for a long time is more likely to be spoiled. Remember, when in doubt – throw it out!
Can you use expired lemon juice?
It’s generally not recommended to use lemon juice past its printed expiration or “best by” date on the bottle. However, lemon juice that has been continuously refrigerated may retain quality for some time past this date.
To check if expired refrigerated lemon juice is still usable, look for the signs of spoilage listed above. If it still smells fresh, tastes OK, and has no visible mold, then it can be cautiously used in cooking and baking where the lemon flavor won’t be prominent.
For example, small amounts may be fine in marinades, vinaigrettes, or dishes with longer cook times. But avoid using significantly expired lemon juice in applications where lemon flavor is central, like lemonade, pie fillings, or fresh seafood recipes.
When in doubt if lemon juice is too old, it’s safest to discard it and use a freshly squeezed replacement for the best quality results.
Does lemon juice need to be refrigerated?
For best quality and safety, lemon juice is best kept refrigerated after opening. Proper refrigeration helps slow the growth of mold and bacteria that can cause lemon juice to deteriorate faster. Refrigeration also helps preserve the flavor and acidity.
Unopened, commercially bottled lemon juice can be stored at room temperature. But after opening, it’s advisable to refrigerate any unused portion. Fresh lemon juice that hasn’t been processed for shelf stability needs refrigeration even when unopened.
Refrigerating lemon juice is especially important in the warmer months, when juices held at room temp are more prone to microbial growth. For optimal freshness and taste, make refrigerating opened lemon juice a habit.
Can lemon juice be left out overnight?
It’s generally not recommended to leave lemon juice out at room temperature overnight, since this increases the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. Acidic foods like lemon juice are less prone to harboring dangerous bacteria, but can still degrade in quality.
For best safety and quality, store any unused lemon juice in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. An unopened bottle or carton of pasteurized, commercially bottled lemon juice can be left out at room temperature for brief periods, but refrigerate once opened.
If fresh lemon juice is accidentally left on the counter overnight, inspect it closely. If it smells, tastes or looks off, err on the side of caution and discard it. When handled improperly, lemon juice left sitting at room temperature provides potential for pathogenic bacterial growth.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, the shelf life of lemon juice in the fridge can be extended. Keep lemon juice refrigerated in airtight containers, allow ample head space if freezing, and watch for signs of spoilage over time. Discard if lemon juice develops an off smell, taste or appearance.
Substitutions like lime juice, vinegar or orange juice can be used make recipes work in a pinch. But for the best flavor in applications where lemon is central, it’s hard to beat the brightness of fresh squeezed juice.
