Can lime juice go bad?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can lime juice go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not lime juice can go bad. Moreover, we are going to discuss different ways to spot bad lime juice, the health implications of drinking bad lime juice, and the shelf life of lime juice.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Can lime juice go bad?
Yes, like every other food, lime juice can also go bad after a certain time. Depending upon its storage conditions, the time for which it will retain its freshness before going bad will vary.
How to spot bad lime juice?
There are a few indicators that point out whether or not your lime juice has gone bad. Therefore you should consider the indicators like the change in color, taste, and smell of the lime juice that tells if or not it has gone bad.
It is a rare phenomenon that you would spot a mold in your lime juice but still if somehow you see a mold in your lime juice then it is better to discard it.
Color
The normal color of lime juice has a slight hint of yellow in it. So if you observe some cloudy appearance or a darker color then it is an indication that your lime juice is past its prime age.
But it is worth mentioning that browning of lime juice is a natural phenomenon and it does not necessarily mean that the lime juice that has turned dark has gone bad.
Smell
The smell of fresh lime juice is tangy and refreshing. There will be a noticeable difference in the smell of the lime juice that has gone bad. So if you smell off-smell while taking a sniff test of your lime juice then it is an indication of bad lime juice.
Taste
The fresh lime juice has a tangy and citrusy flavor to it. The absence of this tangy flavor or the presence of flat or bland taste will indicate that your lime juice has gone bad and you should get rid of it.
What are the health implications of drinking bad lime juice?
Drinking bad lime juice (having bacteria or microbes in it) puts you at the risk of many foodborne illnesses especially food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
- Diarrhea is an indication of the body that a certain obnoxious agent has entered it. So consumption of lime juice that has gone bad and has some bacterial growth in it often causes diarrhea. It is advised to drink plenty of water and to stay away from dairy products, alcohol, and meat for some time.
- Food poisoning after consuming lime juice that has gone bad is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is also accompanied by vomiting and nausea in most cases.
- If you have consumed lime juice that had obnoxious agents in it then you will experience nausea and vomiting which is the natural defense of the body to get rid of the unwanted harmful substance that has entered the body.
- Consuming lime juice that has gone bad will also raise your body temperature and you can experience fever which is the natural defense mechanism of your body and is the indicator that something is off with your body.
How long does lime juice last?
Bottled lime juice
The unopened bottled lime juice lasts for about 3-6 months past its “best by” date if stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
On the other hand, the opened bottled lime juice lasts for about 6-12 months in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit after it is opened.
Freshly squeezed lime juice
The shelf life of freshly squeezed lime juice is shorter as compared to the commercially processed bottled lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice lasts for about 2-3 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container or bottle.
You can read how to make refreshing honey limeade at home here.
Is bottled lime juice safe to drink after the best-before date?
The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the bottle of lime juice refers to more of quality rather than safety so lime juice doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the best before date.
This date refers to the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of lime juice but you can still use lime juice that is past this date as long as it was stored properly.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can lime juice go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not lime juice can go bad. Moreover, we discussed different ways to spot bad lime juice, the health implications of drinking bad lime juice, and the shelf life of lime juice.
Citations
https://www.doesitgobad.com/does-lime-juice-go-bad/
