Besides, Tomato juice made from freshly squeezed tomatoes serves several purposes. It is used as a beverage as well as a healthy drink that is full of nutrients such as protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Initially used as a substitute for orange juice, tomato juice carries several health benefits which include preventing constipation and stimulating bowel movements.
Yes, tomato juice does go bad. When tomato juice comes in contact with air, it leads to the formation of harmful microorganisms in it which leads to the juice going bad.
There is also the formation of mold on the top of the juice which makes it smell and taste bad.
Therefore, it is not possible to keep tomato juice fresh for an unlimited period of time once its packing has been opened. After some time of air exposure, it will begin to lose its freshness and will be unfit for consumption.
How Long Does Tomato Juice Last?
Store-bought tomato juice that is unopened and unrefrigerated can last for 3 to 6 months. Tomato juice that has been opened and refrigerated can last for 3 to 5 days.
Whereas, Homemade tomato juice lasts for 2-3 days; if frozen, it can last for 8 to 12 months.
Talking about its shelf life, it is important to consider that there are several factors that influence the lasting time period of tomato juice.
If it is a store-bought pack, it will come with added preservatives that will help it last for a longer period of time.
Another factor that influences the longevity of tomato juice is whether or not it has been pasteurized. Pasteurizing tomato juice helps kill germs or bacteria present in it which helps in increasing its lasting period a bit more than unpasteurized juice.
Since homemade tomato juice doesn’t have added preservatives nor is it pasteurized, it should be refrigerated and consumed within the next 2 to 3 days to prevent it from going bad or frozen to be used later on.
How To Tell If The Tomato Juice Is Bad?
There are several ways to tell if the tomato juice has gone bad. The most common are:
- The first and foremost sign of the juice gone bad is if the container is dented or damaged after the purchase. Consuming the contents from a damaged container is not advisable. The juice should immediately be discarded.
- Another sign of tomato juice gone bad is its smell. If the liquid smells sour or gives off an alcohol-like or vinegary smell, it is a sure sign that the tomato juice has gone bad and is not fit for consumption.
- If the tomato juice tastes bad or sour or fizzy when consumed, it should be thrown out immediately.
- If the juice has a discolored appearance or has mold on it or the container, it has gone bad.
- One must not consume tomato juice from an open container that has been sitting in the refrigerator for more than 7-10 days as it will have gone bad and it would not be safe to drink it.
How To Store Tomato Juice?
To make sure that your tomato juice stays fresh, it is necessary to store it well so that it lasts longer. Here are some quick suggestions:
- Tomato juice should be kept out of the heat. If you have an unopened container of tomato juice, it can be kept outside the refrigerator but it needs to be stored in a cool and dark place.
- Once the container has been opened, the tomato juice should be refrigerated at all times so that it doesn’t go bad.
- Opened tomato juice should be stored in airtight or re-sealable containers to protect it.
- Freezing tomato juice makes it last longer than refrigerating it. It can either be frozen in a small container or using ice cube trays.
How Long Does Tomato Juice Last In The Freezer?
Freezing tomato juice helps increase its shelf life. In fact, it is one of the best ways to make your tomato juice last longer.
Tomato juice can last for 8 to 12 months if stored in a freezer in the right manner and can be used all year around. Tomato juice needs to be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags that can be re-sealed after use.
Ice cube trays are also an easy way to store frozen tomato juice since cubes can easily be removed and used.
Can You Freeze Tomato Juice? How?
Yes, tomato juice can be frozen. Freezing it is one of the better ways to not waste any extra juice and keep it from going bad.
Here is here to go about it:
- The first and foremost step to consider before freezing tomato juice, if it is homemade, is to strain it in order to get a consistent liquid.
- Tomato juice should be frozen in air-tight or sealable containers with some space on the top for the liquid to expand.
- Small containers or ice cube trays can be used to freeze the tomato juice. When the cubes are frozen, they should be taken out of the tray and stored using freezer bags that are properly sealed. This makes it easy to use the juice by taking the cubes out and then resealing the freezer bag.
How To Thaw Tomato Juice?
Thawing is the process when a frozen liquid is warmed up. Making use of the frozen tomato juice would be an important step to thaw it. The steps to do it are as follows:
- First, the container with the frozen juice needs to be taken out of the freezer.
- The frozen juice can either be thawed by running it under cool water or by directly putting it into the recipe that is being cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can you keep tomato juice?
A store-bought pack of tomato juice, closed and unrefrigerated, can last for 3 to 6 months as it contains added preservatives. Once opened and refrigerated, it will last for 3 to 5 days. Home-made tomato juice will last for 2-3 days.
2. Can you drink expired tomato juice?
If the juice has been properly stored and remains in an unopened pack, it can last a very long time and can be consumed even past its expiration date. If not properly stored and refrigerated, it should be avoided. If you have an opened pack, it should not be consumed.
3. Can bad tomato juice make you sick?
Once opened, contact with air will lead to the formation of mold as well as harmful bacteria in the juice. Consuming it would have adverse effects on health.