Apple juice is a delicious and refreshing beverage. However, if you don’t refrigerate it after opening, you may be at risk for food poisoning. The bacteria that can cause food poisoning thrive in warm, moist environments.
If the apple juice is left out at room temperature, these bacteria can multiply quickly and make you sick. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking apple juice that has been left out of the fridge, seek medical attention immediately.
If you don’t refrigerate apple juice after opening, it will start to spoil. The first signs of spoilage are usually a change in color or texture, and the juice may also start to develop an off-putting smell. If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to throw the juice away.
While it’s technically safe to drink spoiled apple juice, it probably won’t taste very good. And drinking spoiled juice can also cause gastrointestinal distress, so it’s not worth the risk. So if you’re not going to drink your apple juice right away, make sure to store it in the fridge!
How to store fresh juice
What are the Risks of Not Refrigerating Apple Juice After Opening
If you don’t refrigerate apple juice after opening it, the main risk is that it will spoil more quickly. Apple juice contains natural sugars and acids which make it a prime target for bacteria. Once opened and exposed to oxygen, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, leading to spoilage.
The other risk is that the flavor of the apple juice will start to degrade, as oxidation causes off-flavors to develop. So if you want your apple juice to taste its best and last as long as possible, be sure to store it in the fridge!
How Long Can Apple Juice Be Left Unrefrigerated before It Goes Bad
Assuming you are talking about store-bought, unopened apple juice, it can be left unrefrigerated for a few days. After that, it should be refrigerated. If you open the container and don’t finish it in one sitting, make sure to refrigerate within 24 hours.
After about a week of being stored in the fridge, apple juice will start to lose its flavor. It’ll still be safe to drink after this point, but it probably won’t taste very good. So if you’ve got someapple juice that’s been hanging out in your fridge for awhile, you might want to give it a smell test before taking a swig.
What are the Signs That Apple Juice Has Gone Bad
When it comes to determining whether or not apple juice has gone bad, there are a few key signs to look out for. First and foremost, you’ll want to take note of the color of the juice. If it’s starting to turn brown or murky, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s no longer fresh.
Another telltale sign is if the apple juice starts to develop an off-putting smell – this is usually a sign that bacteria has started to grow in the liquid. Finally, if the texture of the apple juice has changed and it’s become watery or thick, that’s another sign that it’s time to toss it out.
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Conclusion
If you don’t refrigerate apple juice after opening it, the quality of the juice will start to degrade. The flavor will become more sour and the color will start to change. The apple juice will also start to ferment, which can create harmful bacteria.