Fresh juice is supposed to be consumed fresh, in other words, straight after it is freshly made. Storing fresh juice not only risks the loss of living enzymes and vitamins, it can also cause oxidation of the juice. Fresh juice is preferred over juice concentrate simply because it is natural, healthier and consists of no artificial coloring or preservatives. Since we are after the natural goodness of juices, we should reap its maximum nutritional benefits by drinking it fresh. If you want to maximize the benefits of drinking juice, you should drink it within just 20 minutes after it is freshly produced.
Yet, a good number of us lead a busy lifestyle these days and might not have enough time to be juicing and cleaning the juicer several times a day. Hence, it is practical to juice surplus to stock up for convenience. The nutrition in fresh juice lessens as time goes by. However, if you keep fresh juice properly in the refrigerator, you can prolong its shelf life up to 48 hours.
What does it mean to keep fresh juice ‘properly’? One of the most critical consideration in storing fresh juice is the container’s material. Glass containers should invariably be used for fresh juice storage. It is alright to use clear glass though some health gurus advise using dark colored glass containers. It is said that amber, blue, green and other dark colored glass containers are better in shielding UV rays, thus able to preserve the juice nutrients better. Since your juice containers will be put in the refrigerator, out of the direct sunlight, it is perfectly alright even if clear glass container is used.
In storing fresh juice, how you fill up the glass container with juice plays a part too in keeping its freshness. The suggestion here is to always fill the juice to the top of the container. Allow no space between the juice and the top of the container as this will lead to oxidation. Oxygen will be present in the event that there is empty space in between. Be sure that the glass container is tightly closed before storing the juice in the refrigerator.
What if you don’t have a glass container at home? Can ceramic containers be used for juice storage instead? The answer is yes; high grade ceramic containers are the next alternative to glass containers. One thing to note though, is ceramic container’s inability to be truly air-tight.
Plastic containers are very popular with most ladies, using them to store anything from snacks to food. Nevertheless, storing fresh juice in plastic containers is certainly discouraged. As a matter of fact, you should not even use plastic containers for keeping edible stuff. Plastic consist of harmful substances such as bisphenols. Exposure to heat and sunlight could cause these harmful chemicals to be released. Typical wear and tear or oxidation breakdown can also result in the release of these harmful substances. Studies have shown that such toxins can cause cancer, hormonal imbalances, abnormalities and other health issues. For the sake of your health, refrain from using plastic containers at all cost.
One final note on fresh juice storage. Keeping the freshness of homemade juice begins at the point of juicing and not when it is already juiced. During the juicing process, exposure to high heat subjects the juice to oxidation and its shelf-life is reduced. A masticating juicer will help to minimize oxidation as its slower speed produces less heat, thus keeping the nutrients intact. With the advancement of technology, some centrifugal juicers these days are also capable of generating lower heat. It is advisable to read the specifications and reviews before you purchase a juicer.
Air-tight glass containers are easily obtainable nowadays; this makes storing fresh juice much easier. However, it is still best to consume fresh juice at once after it is made. In this way, you will get to experience the maximum benefit from your glass of healthy fresh juice.
Discover the benefits of juicing and learn how it can help you in natural weight loss. Get delicious juicing recipes to jump start your journey towards a healthy lifestyle at the Juicing For Weight Loss Tips Blog.
A good article. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
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