Pomegranate juice is a delicious and nutritious beverage that can offer many health benefits. However, you may wonder how long you can store unopened pomegranate juice before it goes bad. In this article, we will answer this question and provide some tips on how to store pomegranate juice properly.
Key Takeaways
- Unopened pomegranate juice that has been sold unrefrigerated can last for 12 to 18 months at room temperature, depending on the brand and the expiration date.
- Unopened pomegranate juice that has been sold refrigerated should be kept in the fridge and consumed by the expiration date printed on the bottle.
- Unopened pomegranate juice can be frozen for up to 6 months for longer shelf life.
What Is Pomegranate Juice?
Pomegranate juice is the juice extracted from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit, which is a round, red fruit with a thick skin and a crown-like top. Pomegranate seeds are also called arils, and they are small, crunchy, and juicy. Each pomegranate can contain hundreds of arils, which are separated by a bitter white membrane.
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart-protective effects. It can also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Pomegranate juice can be consumed as a drink, or used in recipes such as sauces, dressings, smoothies, cocktails, and desserts.
Pomegranate juice is the juice extracted from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit.
How Long Does Unopened Pomegranate Juice Last?
The shelf life of unopened pomegranate juice depends on several factors, such as the type of packaging, the storage conditions, and the expiration date. Generally, there are two types of pomegranate juice sold in the market: unrefrigerated and refrigerated.
Unrefrigerated pomegranate juice is usually packaged in cans or bottles that are sealed and pasteurized. This means that the juice has been heated to kill any harmful bacteria and extend its shelf life. Unrefrigerated pomegranate juice can be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It can last for 12 to 18 months, or longer if the bottle is unopened and the expiration date has not passed. However, the quality and flavor of the juice may decline over time.
Refrigerated pomegranate juice is usually packaged in plastic bottles that are not pasteurized. This means that the juice has not been heated and may contain some natural enzymes and bacteria that can affect its shelf life. Refrigerated pomegranate juice should be kept in the fridge at all times, and consumed by the expiration date printed on the bottle. The expiration date is usually within a few weeks or months of the production date. Refrigerated pomegranate juice may spoil faster if the bottle is opened or exposed to warm temperatures.
Unrefrigerated pomegranate juice can last for 12 to 18 months at room temperature, while refrigerated pomegranate juice should be consumed by the expiration date printed on the bottle.
How to Store Unopened Pomegranate Juice Properly?
To store unopened pomegranate juice properly, you should follow these tips:
- Check the label of the juice to see if it is unrefrigerated or refrigerated, and follow the storage instructions accordingly.
- Store unrefrigerated pomegranate juice in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry, cupboard, or basement. Avoid storing it near heat sources, such as stoves, ovens, radiators, or direct sunlight, as these can cause the juice to spoil faster.
- Store refrigerated pomegranate juice in the fridge, preferably in the main compartment, not the door. The door is the warmest part of the fridge and can cause the juice to lose its freshness and quality. Keep the juice away from strong-smelling foods, such as garlic, onion, or cheese, as these can affect its flavor.
- Do not freeze unopened pomegranate juice, as this can damage the packaging and cause the juice to leak or burst. If you want to freeze pomegranate juice, you should transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and label it with the date. Frozen pomegranate juice can last for up to 6 months, but it may lose some of its flavor and nutrients.
- Do not use unopened pomegranate juice if the packaging is leaking, bulging, rusting, or damaged, as this can indicate that the juice is contaminated or spoiled. Also, do not use unopened pomegranate juice if it has an off odor, color, or taste, or if it shows signs of mold or fermentation, such as bubbles, foam, or gas.
To store unopened pomegranate juice properly, you should follow the label instructions, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place or in the fridge, and avoid freezing it or using it if it is damaged or spoiled.
How to Tell If Unopened Pomegranate Juice Is Bad?
Unopened pomegranate juice can go bad if it is stored improperly, exposed to high temperatures, or past its expiration date. To tell if unopened pomegranate juice is bad, you should look for the following signs:
- The packaging is leaking, bulging, rusting, or damaged. This can indicate that the juice has been compromised by bacteria, air, or moisture, and may be unsafe to drink.
- The juice has an off odor, color, or taste. This can indicate that the juice has oxidized, degraded, or fermented, and may have lost its quality and flavor.
- The juice shows signs of mold or fermentation, such as bubbles, foam, or gas. This can indicate that the juice has been contaminated by yeast, mold, or other microorganisms, and may cause illness or spoilage.
If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the unopened pomegranate juice and not consume it. Consuming spoiled pomegranate juice can cause food poisoning symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking pomegranate juice, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Pomegranate juice is a delicious and nutritious beverage that can offer many health benefits. However, you should store it properly to ensure its freshness and safety. Unopened pomegranate juice that has been sold unrefrigerated can last for 12 to 18 months at room temperature, depending on the brand and the expiration date. Unopened pomegranate juice that has been sold refrigerated should be kept in the fridge and consumed by the expiration date printed on the bottle. It can be frozen for up to 6 months for longer shelf life.
To store unopened pomegranate juice properly, you should follow the label instructions, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place or in the fridge, and avoid freezing it or using it if it is damaged or spoiled. To tell if unopened pomegranate juice is bad, you should look for signs of leakage, damage, oxidation, degradation, fermentation, or mold. If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the unopened pomegranate juice and not consume it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I drink unopened pomegranate juice after the expiration date? The expiration date on unopened pomegranate juice is an estimate of how long the juice will remain at peak quality and freshness. It is not a safety date, and it does not mean that the juice will go bad immediately after that date. However, the quality and flavor of the juice may decline over time, and the juice may spoil faster if it is stored improperly or exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is best to consume unopened pomegranate juice before or by the expiration date, and to store it properly according to the label instructions.
- How can I make my own pomegranate juice? To make your own pomegranate juice, you will need fresh pomegranates, a sharp knife, a bowl of water, a blender or food processor, a fine-mesh sieve, and a container. Here are the steps to follow:
- Cut the pomegranates in half and break them into smaller sections.
- Submerge the sections in a bowl of water and use your fingers to loosen the seeds from the peel and membrane.
- Drain the seeds and discard the peel and membrane.
- Transfer the seeds to a blender or food processor and blend or process until smooth.
- Strain the pulp through a fine-mesh sieve and collect the juice in a container.
- Enjoy your homemade pomegranate juice or store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- How can I make pomegranate juice taste better? Pomegranate juice has a tart and slightly bitter taste that some people may not like. However, there are some ways to make pomegranate juice taste better, such as:
- Adding some honey, sugar, or other sweeteners to balance the acidity and bitterness of the juice.
- Mixing it with other juices, such as orange, apple, cranberry, or grape, to create a more fruity and refreshing flavor.
- Adding some lemon, lime, ginger, or mint to enhance the flavor and aroma of the juice.
- Blending it with ice, yogurt, or milk to make a smoothie or a shake.
- Heating it up and adding some spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom, to make a warm and cozy drink.
Sources
- How Long Does Unopened Pomegranate Juice (Sold ... - StillTasty
- Where Is The Expiration Date On Pom Pomegranate Juice?
- How Long Does Pomegranate Juice Last Once Opened?
- Pomegranate juice benefits for your health and other FAQs
- 10 Health Benefits of Pomegranate
- Pomegranate Juice Benefits, Nutrition Facts and Dosage - Dr. Axe
- Pomegranate Juice: How To Store It For The Longest Shelf Life
- How to Juice Pomegranates in 4 Steps (No Special Tools Required)
- Pomegranate Selection and Storage Information - The Spruce Eats
- How to Store Pomegranate Juice? - Top Food Storage Reviews
