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If you’re someone that’s constantly on the go, you’ve probably become a big fan of meal prepping in large batches. I know I certainly am! This used to exclusively apply to one crockpot meals, but lately I’ve begun experimenting with making smoothies and even juicing ahead of time.
As much as I love my juicer, one of the biggest drawbacks to using it is the clean-up. It takes a tedious amount of time to disassemble and wash the individual components, each and every time. Which is why juicing in large batches appeals to me.
My latest fixation has been celery juice. It’s a trendy health drink that has gained popularity in recent years. Many celebrities, influencers and wellness enthusiasts have praised celery juice for its touted benefits, such as reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and detoxing the body.
But if you’re juicing a batch of celery ahead of time, and sticking it in the fridge, how long is it good for? True to the Spin the Food ethos, I set off to find out; to separate ‘influencer’ nonsense from good, meaningful science.
If you’re looking for the quick and simplified answer: freshly made celery juice can be stored in the fridge for up to 24-48 hours before it starts to lose its freshness and nutritional value. However, there are other factors to consider that will either drastically increase or decrease the shelf-life of your celery juice, which we discuss below.
Read on to discover that sweet spot between maximizing the shelf life of your celery juice while still retaining its wonderful nutritious benefits. We’ll also share some hot tips on how to make your celery juice taste even better, and answer the most frequently asked questions related to celery.
Oh, and if you want some nifty advice on how to also stop your smoothies from browning in the fridge, you’ll want to read this.
What is Celery Juice?
Celery juice is simply the liquid extracted from celery stalks. Celery itself is a fibrous green vegetable, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Celery juice is also low in calories, sugar and fat, making it a good choice for people who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
The nutritional breakdown for two sticks of celery is shown below:
What Are Some Celery Juice Benefits?
Celery juice has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Besides being refreshing, it has a bunch of benefits that contribute to overall well-being.
For starters, it’s an excellent source of hydration, as it’s primarily composed of water. Interestingly enough, celery juice also acts as a natural diuretic, which helps to flush out toxins from the body and support kidney function.
It also contains phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as luteolin and apigenin (which also happens to be one heck of a sleep aid). These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, and diabetes.
Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids are considered antioxidants, and celery is also rich in these compounds. They help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants also play a role in supporting a healthy immune system and may contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases.
But my favourite reason for incorporating celery and its juice into my diet is for digestive health and weight management. Celery is low-cal and nutrient-dense vegetable, making it a great choice to help manage weight. It’s also high in fiber, which can help you feel full, as well as promote a healthy gut. And remember, celery has a high water content, which adds volume to meals without significantly increasing calorie intake.
How Long Does Celery Juice Last in the Fridge?
The shelf-life of celery juice depends on several factors. But the single biggest factor is whether or not your celery juice is freshly made or store bought.
Shelf-Life of Store-Bought Celery Juice
If you prefer store-bought celery juice, it is essential to check the expiration date on the packaging.
Unopened store-bought celery juice can last anywhere from 7-10 days in the fridge, depending on the brand and preservatives used.
Typically, commercially produced celery juice is pasteurized, which is why its shelf life will be much longer than celery that you’ve freshly juiced yourself.
Shelf-Life of Freshly Made Celery Juice
Generally speaking, celery juice lasts for 24-48 hours in the fridge if stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle.
Over time, the taste and quality of celery juice may deteriorate due to various factors. One significant factor is enzymatic activity. Celery contains enzymes that, when exposed to air, can cause the juice to break down and lose its freshness. This enzymatic activity is accelerated when the juice is not stored in an airtight container or is exposed to fluctuations in temperature.
Additionally, prolonged storage can also lead to a loss of nutritional value. Vitamins and antioxidants naturally present in celery juice may degrade over time, diminishing the juice’s potential health benefits.
If you’re looking to maximize the nutritional benefit of your juice, it’s recommended you only juice an amount that you know you’re going to consume within 24 hours. The longer the celery juice sits in the fridge, the more it degrades and loses its health benefits.
If you’re really looking to extend the shelf life of your celery juice, you can also consider freezing it in something like an ice cube tray. Freezing your celery juice will prolong its shelf life for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that freezing your juice may affect its texture and taste, but its nutritional value will still be preserved. To thaw your frozen celery juice, simply place it in the fridge overnight.
How To Store Celery Juice Properly
To store celery juice properly and safely, follow these simple steps:
- First, rinse and chop the celery stalks before juicing them.
- Next, use your juicer or blender to extract that sweet, sweet juice. Optional: Strain the pulp from the juice if desired. If you’re doing this though, make sure you save your pulp!
- Pour the juice into an airtight glass or stainless steel container. It’s generally a good idea to skip plastic containers, to avoid the risk of chemicals leaching into the juice.
- Drink your celery juice within two days; otherwise freeze it for later use.
- If your juice smells bad, tastes sour or has mold on it, discard it.
Spin the Food Tip
When filling an airtight container, fill as close to the top as possible to minimize air exposure. This slowly down oxidation and the growth of bacteria!
Tips For Making Celery Juice Taste Better
Some people can find celery juice to be too bitter or bland for their liking. If you are one of them, try one of these tips to make your celery juice taste better:
Acidity
Add some lemon juice, ginger, apple, cucumber, pineapple or other fruits and vegetables to your celery juice. These ingredients can add some sweetness, acidity and flavor to the juice, as well as more nutrients and antioxidants.
Dilution
Add some water, ice or coconut water to the celery juice to dilute it and make it more refreshing.
Spice it up
Consider salt, pepper, turmeric, or cayenne pepper to add a pop of flavor to your juice. Not only would that give it some kick, it helps enhance its anti-inflammatory effects.
Natural Sweeteners
Honey, maple syrup, stevia or other natural sweeteners will go a long way towards balancing the bitterness of celery juice, making it more palatable.
Are There Any Negative Side Effects to Celery Juice?
While celery juice offers a range of potential health benefits, there are a couple potential negative side effects to consider, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or sensitivities.
Celery contains compounds that can interact with certain medications, particularly blood-thinning medications like warfarin. These compounds may have mild anticoagulant effects, which can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of these medications or increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking any medications, especially blood thinners, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating celery juice into your routine.
Celery, like many other vegetables, also contains oxalates, which are naturally occurring compounds. In individuals prone to kidney stones or with a history of oxalate-related health issues, consuming excessive amounts of celery or celery juice may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and moderate your intake of high-oxalate foods if you have these concerns.
Lastly, celery is noted on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” website. Although they don’t make the list itself, they don’t fall in the clean category either, indicating they may have higher pesticide residues compared to other produce.
While washing celery thoroughly can help reduce pesticide exposure, folks who are particularly sensitive to pesticides should opt for organic celery. Or, even better, supplement their diet by taking advantage of organic celery juice powder.
Spin the Food Tip
It is normal for freshly juiced celery to separate, especially when stored for a while. Simply give your juice a good shake before consuming to mix it back up again.
