Quick Answer
Celery juice stored in the fridge will generally last 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The key factors that determine how long celery juice lasts are the freshness of the celery used, how it’s stored, and personal preferences. Juice made from fresh celery stored in an airtight container in the fridge should stay good for 3-5 days. Older celery or juice stored in the door may only last 2-3 days.
How Long Does Celery Juice Last in the Fridge?
Celery juice can last 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Here are some general guidelines for how long celery juice will last refrigerated:
- Juice made from fresh celery: 3-5 days
- Juice made from older celery: 2-3 days
- Juice stored in airtight container: 3-5 days
- Juice stored in non-airtight container: 2-3 days
- Juice stored in fridge door: 2-3 days
The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:
Freshness of the Celery
Juice made from fresh, crisp celery that hasn’t started to wilt will last longer than juice made from older celery that’s a bit limp. Try to use celery within a few days of purchasing for maximum freshness.
Storage Container
An airtight container like a mason jar or resealable plastic container will keep out excess air and moisture better than a non-airtight container like a pitcher. Exposure to air can cause oxidation and off flavors.
Storage Location
Storing the juice in the back of the fridge, away from the door will help it last longer. The door is exposed to more warm air each time it’s opened, shortening the shelf life.
Personal Tolerance
Some people may start to notice changes in taste or texture after 3 days, while others may find the juice acceptable for 5 days or longer refrigerated. It comes down to personal preference.
Generally speaking though, for best quality and flavor, try to drink celery juice within 3-4 days of making it. After 5 days, deterioration becomes more likely.
How to Tell if Celery Juice Has Gone Bad
Watch out for these signs that indicate your celery juice has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Changes in appearance: Separated liquid, cloudiness, or foamy texture
- Changes in smell: Sour, fermented, or “off” odors
- Changes in taste: Sour, bitter, or unpleasant flavors
- Mold growth
If you notice any of those changes, err on the side of caution and toss the juice. Don’t drink it if the quality seems at all off.
Does Celery Juice Go Bad or Just Lose Nutrients?
Celery juice doesn’t necessarily “go bad” in an unsafe way within 5 days, but it does start to lose quality and nutritional value.
Here’s what happens over time in the fridge:
- 3 days: Still safe to drink, but may have some loss of vitamin C and antioxidants. Taste and texture might start changing.
- 5 days: Significant loss of nutrients like vitamins C and A. Higher risk of spoilage and unappealing changes in taste, smell, or texture.
- 7+ days: Spoiled. Risk of food poisoning if consumed. Should be discarded.
So while celery juice stored in the fridge won’t make you sick right away, it does become less nutritious and more unpalatable over time. For best nutrition and flavor, try to drink it within 3-4 days.
Tips to Extend the Shelf Life of Celery Juice
Here are some tips to help your celery juice last as long as possible:
- Use very fresh, crisp celery stalks
- Wash and dry celery thoroughly before juicing
- Juice in small batches instead of making a large quantity
- Store juice in an airtight container like a mason jar
- Fill container to the very top to minimize air exposure
- Store in the back of the fridge, not the door
- If possible, press plastic wrap directly on the juice surface to prevent oxidation
- Give juice a stir or shake before drinking to redistribute settled pulp
Proper storage is really the key to maximizing how long celery juice stays fresh. An airtight container in the fridge is ideal.
Can You Freeze Celery Juice?
Yes, you can freeze celery juice to extend its shelf life significantly. Here’s how:
- Juice fresh celery stalks and strain if desired.
- Pour juice into freezer-safe containers like mason jars or plastic freezer bags.
- Leave 1⁄2 to 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal containers and freeze immediately.
- For best quality, use within 2-3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing is a great way to make celery juice in batches and preserve the original freshness. Thawed juice will retain more nutrients than juice stored in the fridge for 5+ days.
Can You Freeze Celery Itself to Juice Later?
Freezing celery stalks, rather than already juiced celery, is not recommended. Celery becomes limp and mushy when thawed after freezing. The texture changes too much to juice effectively.
It’s best to juice fresh celery, then freeze just the juice for later use. Don’t freeze the whole celery stalks themselves if you want to end up with usable juice.
Conclusion
Celery juice will generally last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. For best quality and nutritional value, try to drink it within 3-4 days of making it. After 5-7 days it runs a higher risk of spoilage.
Watch for changes in smell, taste, or texture. Discard immediately if any signs of spoilage. To maximize shelf life, store in small batches in airtight containers in the fridge. Freezing is also an option to preserve it longer.
