Most juices you’ll find at the store have been pasteurized, which means they’ve been heated to high temperatures in order to kill harmful bacteria.
You might have found them on the shelf at the grocery store and wondered, does pasteurized juice need to be refrigerated?
If left unopened, pasteurized juice does not have to be refrigerated, which is why you often find them on grocery store shelves.
However, pasteurized juice should be refrigerated once opened and not left out for more than two hours.
Pasteurized juice is a tasty and convenient option, whether enjoying a tall glass of orange juice with breakfast or sipping on a refreshing pineapple juice on a hot summer day.
Pasteurized juice is simply juice that has been treated with heat to kill bacteria and extend its shelf life.
Pasteurization affects the juice’s flavor, so you may notice that pasteurized juices taste slightly different than fresh-pressed juices.
However, many people find that the slight difference in taste is well worth the peace of mind that comes with knowing their juice is safe to drink.
And if you’re ever in doubt, just check the label – all pasteurized juices must be labeled as such.
Louis Pasteur first developed the process of pasteurization in the 19th century, and it is now used to preserve a wide variety of food and beverage products, from milk to beer.
How Long Can Pasteurized Juice Sit Out?
This is because, in the danger zone temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly and make you sick.
The danger zone of food and vegetable juices safety is the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F.
This range is often referred to as the “temperature danger zone” because it is within this range that foodborne illness is most likely to occur.
While some types of bacteria can grow at lower or higher temperatures, most foodborne illnesses are caused by bacteria that flourish within the temperature danger zone.
To help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, it is important to keep food out of this range.
Foods that have been in the danger zone for more than two hours should be thrown away, as they may contain high levels of bacteria that could make you sick.
By taking simple precautions, you can help to keep your food safe and avoid becoming ill.
No one likes to get food poisoning. Unfortunately, it’s common, especially if you don’t practice cautious food safety or drink juices that have been left out too long.
Several things can cause food poisoning, from bacterial and chemical contamination.
In order to avoid getting sick, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of food poisoning and the steps you can take to prevent it.
Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating, you must see a doctor immediately.
To prevent food poisoning, always wash your hands before cooking or eating, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods.
You should also cook food thoroughly and avoid consuming anything that looks or smells spoiled.
How Do You Store Pasteurized Juice?
Unopened pasteurized juice can be stored in a cool, dark place while opened cartons should be stored in the fridge. Unopened cartons can last up to 100 days if stored right, while an opened carton of juice will last 7 to 10 days in the fridge.
You should not leave pasteurized juice out at room temperature for more than two hours, after which bacteria can set in and rapidly multiply, causing you to be sick.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting pasteurized juice.
First, check the label to make sure that the juice has been pasteurized.
Next, look for cold-pressed juices, as these juices will retain more of their nutrients.
Finally, avoid juices that have been sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Instead, opt for juices that are made with natural ingredients like fruits and vegetables.
Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet.
Not only do they provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they also contain powerful antioxidants that can help to protect against disease.
In addition, fruits are a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and promote heart health.
And because they are low in calories, fruits can be a helpful part of a weight loss plan.
Pasteurized juice often contains high levels of vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients that our bodies need. It helps to boost the immune system, fights infection, and promotes a healthy cardiovascular system.
Vitamin C is also needed for the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy skin and connective tissue.
Although our bodies cannot produce vitamin C on their own, it is found in various foods, such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and spinach.
Fruit juice is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
For this reason, it’s often recommended that people drink orange juice or other types of vitamin C-rich fruit juice when they’re feeling under the weather.
However, it’s important to remember that fruit juice also contains natural sugars.
As a result, it’s best to consume it in moderation.
When choosing a fruit juice, look for one that is 100% pure and doesn’t contain any added sugars.
This will help you to get the most nutritional benefits without consuming too much sugar.
Does Pasteurized Orange Juice Have To Be Refrigerated?
Unopened pasteurized orange juice has a shelf life of approximately 100 days but is sure to check the expiration date.
However, once you open a carton of pasteurized juice, it will have to be refrigerated, where it can last about 7 to 10 days.
Juice left out for more than two hours could be unsafe to drink.
Pasteurizing juice is heating the juice to kill bacteria that could cause food poisoning. While this may seem unnecessary, it’s essential to ensure store-bought juice’s safety.
Unpasteurized juice can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious illness.
Why Does Pasteurized Juice Need To Be Refrigerated?
Food safety is a major concern for everyone, from the farmer to the grocery store to the home cook.
There are four major areas of food safety: cross-contamination, cooking, cooling, and storage.
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food item are transferred to another.
This can happen if raw meat comes into contact with other foods or if utensils and cutting boards are not properly cleaned between uses.
Cooking food to the proper temperature kills harmful bacteria, but in the case of juice, you certainly don’t want to drink warm juice!
Cooling food properly also prevents bacteria from growing.
Refrigerate juices within two hours of opening in the airtight carton.
Do not leave your juice out for more than two hours.
How Long Does Pasteurized Juice Last?
If you’ve ever been displeased drinking bad juice, you know how quickly it can turn your stomach. Bad juice usually smells sour, like it’s spoiled.
This is because when fruit goes bad, it starts to break down and release harmful bacteria.
These bacteria can cause food poisoning, leading to cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you suspect that your juice has gone bad, it’s best to throw it out.
I’m the owner and blogger here at SodaPopCraft.Com. I’m a soft drinks enthusiast, bringing you all I know and research from the world of Beverages, Soda Pop, Soft Drinks, and many more.
I hope it inspires you to make Healthier, and Creative Drinks at Home.
Read more About Me here & Tweet Me Here.