How long does masticated juice last?
Masticated juice usually lasts for a period of between 2 and 4 days depending on the type of vegetable or fruit used for juice, your location, and your storage method. The shelf life of a masticated juice is usually longer than one made from a centrifugal juicer which can only last for one day. The reason why masticated juice usually lasts for a longer period is that the whole extraction process is slow and thus not subjected to oxidation.
Factors that determine how long a masticated juice lasts?
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Oxidation
One of the main reasons why masticated juice usually lasts for a longer period compared to those made from other types of juicers is because the extraction process protects the juice from oxidation. Oxidation is usually accelerated by light, heat, and air. Masticating juicers usually protect the juice from heat. However, it does not protect the juice from air and light. This means that your masticated juice can still be oxidized if you fail to protect it shortly after juicing.
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Type of juice
Another factor that determines how long your masticated juice lasts is the type of vegetables or fruits that you have used to make the juice. Generally, fruits and vegetables have a different shelf life with some having longer shelf life than others. For instance, masticated juice made from fresh organic produce usually lasts for a longer period because they contain higher levels of antioxidants and nutrients.
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Storage method
Storage method plays a crucial role in determining how long your masticated juice lasts. A well-stored masticated juice can stay fresh for up to 4 days while a poorly stored juice can barely last for 24 hours. If you want your masticated juice to last for a longer period, you need to cover it properly and store it in a cool dark place to protect it from oxidation. Room temperature also encourages bacterial growth which can decrease the shelf life of your masticated juice. So, if you want your masticated juicer to last for a long time. You need to store it in a fridge.
Tips on how to increase the shelf life of your masticated juice
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Store it in an airtight glass container
One of the best ways to make your masticated juice last for a long time is by storing it in an airtight glass container. An airtight glass container will prevent oxidation by not allowing air to come in. Glass containers are also ideal for storing fresh juice because they don’t contain harmful chemicals as is the case with plastic containers.
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Store the juice immediately
Another great way to keep your masticated juice for a longer period is by storing it immediately after juicing. The longer the juice stays in the open, the higher the chance of going bad fast. So, once you are done juicing, store it in a good glass container like a mason jar. This jar contains a rubber seal that keeps the container airtight.
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Store your juice in a refrigerator or freezer
Once you have stored the juice safely in an airtight glass jar, you need to go a step further and store it in a refrigerator or freezer. If you are planning to drink your masticating juice within 2 days, then you should store it in a fridge. Storing your masticating juicer in the fridge will help to preserve its nutrients and thus prevent it from going bad quickly.
On the other hand, if you have prepared a lot of masticated juice that will take you longer to finish, then you should store it in the freezer. When you store your masticating juice in a freezer, it can last for up to 6 months. However, it is usually recommended that you drink the juice stored in the freezer within three months.
Does frozen masticated juice taste different?
No, frozen masticated juice does not taste different. It tastes as good as freshly masticated juice, especially if it is well stored. That is why it is highly recommended that you store your juice immediately in a refrigerator or a freezer if you are not planning to drink it immediately. If you do so, then your juice will taste as good as it did the day it was made. Freezing helps to slow down enzymes in the juice but it does not destroy them. If you store your masticating juice for three months in the freezer, it will still retain more than 90% of live enzymes, meaning that the juice will still taste good and will also retain its nutritional value.
How long does it take to prepare a masticated juice?
The amount of time taken to prepare juice in a masticating juicer varies depending on various factors such as the type of fruits or vegetables that you are extracting, the type of masticating juice that you are using, the quantity of the juice, and much more. But unlike centrifugal juicers that are very fast, masticating juicers are slow and that is why they are able to retain all nutrients. On average, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare masticated juice. If you want to get the best results when preparing a masticated juice, ensure that you purchase the best masticating juicer.
How can I know if my masticated juice has spoiled?
It is quite easy to know if your masticated juice has spoiled or not. The first thing that indicates if your masticated juice has gone bad is the smell. Fresh masticated juice is known for its fresh juicy smell. However, bad masticated juice has a strong foul smell. Another sign of spoiled masticated juice is a change in color. A bad masticated juice usually has a brown color. The juice may also have mold.
If your masticated juice shows any of the above signs, the best thing to do is to throw it away. Drinking spoiled masticated juice is bad for your health. It can cause dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and even food poisoning. Only drink a masticated juice that is fresh and safe.
Final thoughts
If you are planning to prepare juice on your masticating juicer and you are asking yourself: how long does masticated juice last? We hope this article has been helpful. The shelf life of masticating juice is between 2-4 days but can last for up to 6 months if stored well in a freezer.