How Long Does Celery Juice Last: Is it Bad? | 7 Storage Tips

Introduction to Celery Juice

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re among the growing number of people looking to boost their health through natural means. And one of the more recent phenomena in the world of healthy beverages is celery juice.

A Bit of History

The origin of using celery for its health benefits is nothing new; it goes way back. It can be traced back to the Greeks, who used it for medicinal purposes, typically as a calming agent. But it was in 2019 that celery juice began to gain substantial popularity, thanks to a strong endorsement by New York Times best-selling author Anthony William. Celery juice has turned into quite a popular drink!

Disclaimer: We don’t necessarily endorse any specific authors, diets, medical claims, or worldviews by those who are strong proponents of celery juice specifically. However, what we do support is the fact that celery is a whole plant food, and celery juice is packed with nutrients. We wholeheartedly support eating healthy, whole plant-based foods; thus, this is a great addition to a healthy diet. And, while celery juice does remove some of the fiber, it’s still incredibly nutritious.  

What Does the Science Say?

Emerging scientific research from reliable sources suggests that celery juice is not just a tasty beverage. It’s teeming with essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds that your body absolutely craves. 

• It offers a rich source of key elements like vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
• The juice is also celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties. You can thank a compound known as luteolin for this.

We’re not just blowing smoke here. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine thoroughly researched the antioxidant content of celery juice. The findings suggest that it might serve a role in protecting gastric health.

Long story short: sipping on some celery juice daily or including more celery in your diet is a great way to get an added nutrient boost. 

Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that research is still ongoing. Nonetheless, many fitness enthusiasts and health-focused individuals swear by its positive impact.

“What we do know for sure is that celery is a very hydrating vegetable with numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for overall health” – a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.

How Long Does Celery Juice Last? 

Once prepared, fresh celery juice can typically last between 24 to 72 hours, depending on your storage methods. However, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours for optimal nutrient retention and taste. Remember that this is not a rigid rule, as the juice may decline or last longer based on a variety of factors. 

Tips For Storing Celery Juice Properly and Extending Celery Juice Shelf Life

Successful preservation of celery juice lies largely in preparation and proper storage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use Fresh Celery: Start with fresh and high-quality organic celery as it is less likely to contain high bacterial levels, which leads to quicker spoilage. You’ll get the best results if you start with fresh, crisp celery. 
2. Cold Press: If you’re using a juicer, opt for a cold-press one. Such juicers operate at low speed, limiting the heat generated and thus reducing oxidation. Cold-pressed celery juice is easy and retains the nutrient profile of the juice.
3. Minimize exposure to air: The oxidation process begins as soon as your celery juice gets exposed to air, reducing not just its shelf life but its nutritional value, too. Therefore, storing in air-tight containers is crucial.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice can significantly extend the life of your celery juice. Lemon is a natural preservative, which can slow down oxidation. Try lime juice, too. It works just as well.
5. Use of glass containers: Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals into your juice over time. Thus, using a glass container is a sounder choice and the best way to store it in the fridge. Glass bottles can also be super handy storage!
6. Refrigeration: Immediately after preparation, pour the juice into a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for later use. This slows down oxidation and inhibits microbial growth.
7. Freezing: If you’re not planning to drink the juice right away, freezing it can be a great option. It allows you to store the juice for a longer period without losing its nutritional value. Just remember, once defrosted, consume immediately.

Signs of Spoiled Celery Juice 

It’s important to know the signs that your celery juice has turned bad: 

Trust your instincts – if it looks, smells, or tastes off, it likely is. Be safe and discard the juice.

• Color Change: Fresh celery juice has a vibrant green color. If the color shifts to shades of brown, it’s usually a sign of spoilage.
• Bad Odor: Spoiled celery juice usually develops an unpleasant, sour smell if it’s too old.
• Change in Texture: If you notice any cloudiness, discoloration, or mold, it’s time to discard the juice.
• Off-putting taste: A bad taste is a clear sign of spoilage. If your juice tastes unusually sour or unpleasant, it’s time to dispose of it.

In-Depth: Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Celery Juice

Your fresh celery juice can be a delightful nutrient-packed drink that boosts your health. However, like other freshly squeezed juices, its shelf life isn’t too long and can be affected by various factors. Understanding these can help you maximize the freshness and nutritional value of your celery juice. 

Storage Conditions 

Temperature: The storage temperature plays a crucial role in determining the shelf life of celery juice. Ideally, it should be kept in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or lower to slow down the degradation process and bacteria growth. Avoid leaving your juice to sit out at room temperature.

Light Exposure: Direct exposure to light, particularly sunlight, can hasten the spoilage of your celery juice due to the process of photosynthesis and light-induced oxidation. 

Air Exposure: If your celery juice is exposed to air, it gets oxidized faster, resulting in a change in color, taste, and nutritional value. Always keep your juice container well sealed. 

Note: Other factors such as the cleanliness of your juicer and the freshness of the celery used can also affect the lifespan of your juice.

Stages of Celery Juice Shelf Life 

Here is a basic outline of what happens to celery juice throughout the different stages of its shelf life: 

Storing celery juice properly is vital to ensure you get the most out of its nourishing components. Remember, the fresher, the better!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Celery Juice

Celery juice, much like its solid counterpart, can be incredibly versatile in its use. So, if you find yourself with leftover celery juice, don’t let it go to waste. Instead, consider the following creative ways to use it: 

Common Ways to Use Leftover Celery Juice 

1. Smoothies: Adding leftover celery juice to your morning smoothie not only provides an extra shot of nutrients but also helps to create a crisp, refreshing taste.
2. Cooking Liquids: You can use celery juice when steaming vegetables or preparing rice and other grains to infuse them with a unique flavor.
3. Soup Base: Instead of plain water, use celery juice as a base for soups or stews. It brings a refreshing and savory aroma to your dishes.

Uncommon Ways to Use Leftover Extra Celery Juice 

1. Plant Fertilizer: Did you know that celery juice can actually be good for your plants, too? Used in moderation, it can provide essential nutrients and minerals to your indoor or outdoor plants.
2. Compost: By adding celery juice to your compost heap or bin, you’re introducing necessary green material that helps to create a nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
3. Homemade Cleaning Solutions: With its natural antibacterial properties, celery juice can be mixed into DIY cleaning solutions for a safe, non-toxic cleaner that also smells fresh and clean.

Remember, while these applications are creative, they are also practical. Next time you find yourself with leftover celery juice, give one of these options a try and reduce your waste in the process!

3 Benefits of Drinking Celery Juice

Celery juice has catapulted its way into the spotlight in recent years, credited as a miracle juice that bolsters your health. Derived from the stalks of celery, this green elixir is a nutrient powerhouse that possesses myriad health benefits worth exploring. 

1.) Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals

As a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like potassium and folate, celery juice could be your ticket to meeting your daily nutrient requirements. Its richness in vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, is particularly noteworthy. One cup of celery juice provides around 40% of your daily vitamin K needs! 

2.) Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Celery juice is a natural source of luteolin and polyacetylenes, compounds that are revered for their robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of celery juice may alleviate inflammation in your body, a pivotal factor in chronic diseases. 

3.) Lowers High Blood Pressure

Phthalides, another special compound found in celery juice, may promote your cardiovascular health by helping to lower high blood pressure. They achieve this by relaxing the muscles in and around your arterial walls, creating more room for your blood to flow. 

Remember, while the juicing process does offer a concentrated way to take in these nutrients, celery in its whole form is a vibrant plant food packed to brim with health perks. Incorporating more of it, along with a variety of other plant foods, into your diet is indeed beneficial for health.

Celery Juice: FAQs

1. What is Celery Juice?  

At its most basic, celery juice is a juice made by extracting the liquid from the stalks of the humble celery plant. It’s a concept that has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and this recognition is largely due to a combination of celebrity endorsement and the brushstroke of alleged health benefits that many claim it offers. But it’s not just about what’s in it – celery juice is also adored for its light, refreshing flavor.

2. How is Celery Juice Made?  

The production process of celery juice is as straightforward as the ingredients list. It begins with juicing or blending fresh celery stalks until nothing remains but pure, vibrant green juice. Once this step is complete, the remaining pulp is strained out, leaving behind a crisp, clear juice.

You have the freedom to add other ingredients to suit your particular taste. Perhaps you might prefer the flavor of apple, cucumber, or the spiciness of fresh ginger. Whatever your preference, these additions can be a fantastic way to enhance the overall nutrition profile and flavor. 

3. What are the Health Benefits of Celery Juice?  

Scientific studies are validating the health benefits of celery juice, as well as anecdotes and testimonials from those who regularly consume celery juice. The key benefits are its capacity to hydrate the body, enhance digestive functioning (especially for those with digestive issues), curb inflammation in various bodily systems, and even support weight loss efforts.

While more studies are needed to substantiate these advantages, it’s clear that many believe in the health-giving properties of celery juice.  

4. How Much Celery Juice Should I Drink?  

Typically, those who advocate for celery juice specifically recommend an intake of around 16 ounces each day. If you’re new to the celery juice club, you might find it beneficial to begin with a smaller serving, gradually upping the quantity as your body grows accustomed to it.

Finding your ideal celery juice serving amount is a journey, so experiment until you find what works best for you if it’s something you want to try drinking daily.

5. When is the Best Time to Drink Celery Juice?  

Proponents of celery juicing say the best time to consume celery juice is first thing in the morning before you have eaten anything (yep, on an empty stomach). This practice gives your body a head start on absorbing the nutrients this healthy drink offers without competition from other foods. It arguably serves as a gentler wake-up call for your digestive system, providing nutrients it can easily break down and maximizing its full potential. 

6. What Does Celery Juice Taste Like?  

The flavor profile of celery juice is delicate and naturally refreshing. It carries a slight hint of salinity that subtly enriches its taste. If you find the taste of pure celery juice a bit overwhelming, you can certainly blend it with other flavorful juices. This not only helps to moderate the taste but can introduce a variety of other helpful nutrients and antioxidants.  

7. Can I Store Celery Juice?  

Yes, it’s possible to store celery juice, albeit with a few caveats. Ideally, you should consume celery juice immediately after it’s prepared to ensure you’re getting the maximum nutritional benefit. However, if you find it necessary to store it, ensure your container forms an airtight seal and store the juice in the refrigerator to delay the onset of spoilage. Check out storage tips earlier in this post for more info. Storage is super easy. 

8. Why Does My Celery Juice Turn Brown?  

Discoloration of your celery juice occurs as a consequence of exposure to oxygen in a process known as oxidation. This not only results in the juice adopting an unappealing brown hue but also leads to a gradual reduction in its nutritional content, making it less beneficial for your health. More info on this is earlier in the article! Check out the table of contents for easy reference. 

9. How Long Does Celery Juice Last?  

In a well-sealed container and when stored correctly in the refrigerator, celery juice can last 24-72 hours after extraction (check out our table earlier in the article for more info). However, in order to avail the best possible taste and benefit from all its rich nutrients, it’s highly recommended to consume the juice as soon as it’s freshly prepared. 

10. Is it Bad to Drink Expired Celery Juice? 

When it comes to consuming foods and drinks past their prime, there’s always a certain risk involved. Celery juice is no exception. But just how bad is it to gulp down celery juice beyond its expiration date? Well, let’s delve into this.

Like many things in the kitchen, it can be somewhat difficult to know for certain if your celery juice has gone bad, mainly because it doesn’t always have a distinct rotting smell like other fruits or veggies.

Dangers: 

• Bacterial Growth: Juice, including celery juice, can breed harmful bacteria when left unrefrigerated or when it’s far beyond expiration. Poor storage conditions can also accelerate bacterial growth, potentially causing food poisoning.
• Loss of Nutrients: Over time, the nutritional content of the juice diminishes. Drinking expired celery juice means you’re not getting the full benefits that fresh juice offers.

Visible Signs: 

1. Color Change: If you notice that your celery juice has turned darker or looks cloudy, chances are it’s expired.
2. Unusual Smell: Though celery juice doesn’t typically have a strong smell, a sour or unpleasant odor can indicate spoilage.

While it might be tempting to consume celery juice past its expiration date, especially if it looks and smells okay, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution. It’s not worth risking your health over.

Conclusion and Takeaways

So, the freshness and longevity of your celery juice largely depend on how well it’s stored. Refrigerated, tightly sealed, and carefully handled, you can get a few days of shelf-life. If you’re freezing the juice, you get months of shelf life.  But, it’s always best when consumed fresh. 

• Storage: Keep it simple with the tips described throughout this article. A tightly sealed jar and efficient refrigeration are non-negotiable. Light and heat are enemies, so always choose a dark, cold storage location.
• Best Practice: Freshness counts. As with most fresh juices, immediate consumption wins. If you aren’t sure, you’ll be able to consume the juice, freeze it, or use the extra in one of the ways we described earlier.
• Wise Purchase: Invest in a good quality juicer and fresh organic celery sticks for maximum benefits.

Sticking to these simple steps ensures every glass of celery juice you drink is healthy, and that’s the goal. How we handle our food is as important as what food we choose – cleanliness, freshness, and proper storage should top the list.