Can You Freeze Orange Juice?
A glass of chilled orange juice is the ideal antidote to provide respite from the summer sun beating down on our heads. The freshly made, the better it is. But, we cannot expect to get freshly prepared orange juice whenever we feel like having one. So, storing orange juice becomes significant. Is there any way to keep orange juice and ensure maintaining its freshness? Is refrigerating orange juice an option? Or can we freeze orange juice?
The last-mentioned option does sound feasible.
Can You Freeze Orange Juice?
Yes, you can. Let us discuss different freezing orange juice and putting it to maximum use.
Before we see how to freeze fresh orange juice, here is an important question.
Which Is A Better Option – Refrigerating Or Freezing Orange Juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice can remain refrigerated for two to three days in the fridge, whereas the same can last for three to four months inside the freezer. However, refrigerated orange juice retains its freshness better than frozen orange juice because it can become watery when thawed. Hence, it can lose its viscosity and tanginess.
Can We Freeze Orange Juice Bought From The Departmental Store?
We might often open a carton of orange juice and have a gulp or two. You could need a squeeze or two to prepare a particular recipe. So, you have substantial orange juice leftovers to deal with. Therefore, freezing the orange juice for future consumption is an option. We shall discuss the procedure in detail in a subsequent paragraph.
Can You Freeze Orange Juice From Concentrates?
Freezing orange juice from homemade orange concentrate or store-bought products is possible. You can place the liquid directly into the freezer and extend its shelf life.
While orange juice prepared from concentrate can last for seven days in the fridge, it can remain frozen for one year in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Orange Juice With Pulp?
Freezing orange juice with pulp is also possible, but you might have to contend with grainy or brittle pulp after thawing. It might not taste as it does when fresh. Therefore, orange juice with pulp is best consumed when fresh. You can strain the pulp and freeze the juice.
Different Ways Of Freezing Orange Juice
Cartons
Freezing orange juice in cartons is possible because the cartons are freezer-friendly. However, there can be a slight hitch. First, you need to open the carton and pour out some orange juice to create a headspace for the frozen orange juice.
Orange juice can expand when freezing, and the lack of space inside the carton can lead to its bursting and creating a mess inside the freezer. So, you can place the orange juice carton directly inside the refrigerator after pouring out some juice. Secondly, you need to seal the carton properly to prevent freezer burn.
Airtight Containers
Airtight containers are the best for freezing orange juice because they do not allow any air to enter it and spoil it. However, it is better not to rely on store-bought plastic containers intended for one-time use. These containers can leak or even burst inside the freezer. A Tupperware airtight container is a good bet because it is freezer-safe. Secondly, it is advisable to ensure sufficient headroom for the orange juice to expand during freezing.
Ice Cube Tray
Ice cube trays provide an excellent avenue for freezing orange juice because of their versatility. You can use frozen orange juice cubes in various ways, including marinades and fruity beverages. You can also pop some cubes in water and have a refreshing orange drink.
Freezing orange juice in ice cube trays does not require much preparation. First, you can pour the liquid into the different compartments and leave a small gap for expansion. Then, place the tray inside the freezer and get frozen orange juice cubes.
Freezer Bags
You cannot pour orange juice directly into the freezer bags because they can splash everywhere. Freezing orange juice in freezer bags is an extension of the ice cube tray method.
Remove the frozen orange cubes from the ice cube tray and place them inside the ziplock freezer bags. Remove excess air from the freezer bags and place them inside the freezer to allow the orange juice cubes to remain frozen.
The most significant advantage of freezing orange juice in freezer bags is that it allows for freezing large batches of orange juice. It also prevents the frozen orange juice ice cubes from picking up other food odors.
Mason jars
Mason jars are useful for freezing various food items at home. You can conveniently pour the orange juice into the mason jars and leave space for the frozen liquid to expand.
Old-fashioned mason jars are best suited for freezing orange juice because they feature shoulders allowing the much-needed space for expansion. However, glass jars are heavy and can break when moving from the freezer.
How Do You Defrost Orange Juice?
- Defrosting orange juice in the refrigerator is a straightforward method. First, you transfer the frozen juice from the freezer to the fridge. However, the thawing process consumes considerable time, depending on the quantity of orange juice you defrost. Therefore, you should start the process overnight if you wish to have orange juice the following morning.
- The microwave oven presents a quicker mode of defrosting frozen orange juice. You can directly transfer the frozen liquid into a microwave-safe container and use the defrosting option.
Generally, you can consume the frozen orange juice without thawing by adding them to the smoothies and other beverages.
While orange juice defrosted in the refrigerator can remain fresh for three to five days, the juice in the microwave should be consumed immediately. Otherwise, there are chances of bacterial contamination.
Can The Frozen Orange Juice Go Bad?
Orange juice does not rot in the freezer, but if you experience a funny taste, it would have spoiled before the freezing process. Hence, we advise you to check for strange odors before freezing orange juice. It can save you time and labor.
Can You Refreeze Orange Juice?
Technically, there is nothing wrong with refreezing orange juice, but frequent freezing and thawing can make it watery and lose its taste.
Final Thoughts
So, if you have sufficient orange juice leftover from the party last night, you know how to deal with it. Freeze it and consume it later on.
