Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck
Tart cherry juice is a delicious and healthy beverage that is packed with nutrients. cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
But, how long tart cherry juice lasts after opening? Tart cherry juice is made by juicing fresh tart cherries. It is typically sold in bottles or cartons and has a shelf life of about 12 months. Once opened, however, the juice will start to lose its flavor and nutrients.
Why Do We Keep Our Tart Cherry Concentrate Chilled?
There are many reasons to keep your tart cherry concentrate chilled. The high acidity level of the cherries helps to preserve the vitamins and antioxidants in the fruit. Chilling also slows down the process of oxidation, which can cause the juice to lose its color and nutrients.
Another reason to keep your concentrate chilled is because the flavor of the cherries will be more intense when they are cold. When you drink tart cherry juice that has been stored in the fridge, you will taste the freshness of the fruit more than if it was stored at room temperature.
Does Tart Cherry Juice Expire?
Tart cherry juice does not technically expire, but it will start to lose its flavor and nutrients after about a year. Once opened, the juice should be consumed within a few weeks for the best quality.
Can I Drink Expired Tart Cherry Juice?
While you can technically drink expired tart cherry juice, it is not recommended. The flavor of the juice will be less intense and the nutrients will have begun to degrade. If you do drink expired juice, be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle to ensure that it has not been more than a year since it was opened.
How Long Can You Keep Cherry Juice?
Cherry juice can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks after opening. However, for the best flavor and quality, it is best to consume the juice within a few days of opening.
Is Tart Cherry Juice Good for You?
Tart cherry juice is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can have many health benefits. Some of these benefits include reduced inflammation, improved sleep quality, and reduced pain from arthritis.
7 Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
1. May Help Reduce Inflammation
Tart cherry juice contains anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that tart cherry juice can help to reduce inflammation in people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
2. May Improve Sleep Quality
Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin [1], a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. Several studies have shown that tart cherry juice can help to improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.
3. May Reduce Pain from Arthritis
Tart cherry juice has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in people with arthritis. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice for eight weeks reduced pain and improved quality of life in people with osteoarthritis.
4. May Boost Brain Health
Tart cherry juice contains compounds that can help to protect brain cells from damage. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice improved memory and cognitive function in older adults.
5. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Tart cherry juice has been shown to help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice for four weeks lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg.
6. May Aid in Weight Loss
Tart cherry juice can help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice helped people lose more weight and body fat than those who did not drink it.
7. May Help Lower Cholesterol
Tart cherry juice has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice for eight weeks lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 13%.
Is Tart Cherry Juice Going to Make Me Sleepy?
Tart cherry juice contains melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. While tart cherry juice can help improve sleep quality, it is not likely to make you sleepy during the day. If you are concerned about how tart cherry juice will affect your energy levels, it is best to drink it in the evening or at night.
Who Should Not Drink Tart Cherry Juice?
Tart cherry juice is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few groups of people who should not drink it.
- Pregnant women: Tart cherry juice contains compounds that can cross the placenta and may affect fetal development.
- People with kidney stones: Tart cherry juice contains oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.
- People with diabetes: Tart cherry juice can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely when you drink tart cherry juice.
If you are unsure whether or not tart cherry juice is right for you, it is best to speak to a healthcare provider before drinking it.
Conclusion
Tart cherry juice can last up to two weeks after opening if it is stored properly. Tart cherry juice is a healthy drink that is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality, and boosting brain health. However, there are a few groups of people who should not drink tart cherry juice, such as pregnant women and people with diabetes. If you are unsure whether or not tart cherry juice is right for you, it is best to speak to a healthcare provider before drinking it.
Reference:
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/tart-cherry-juice-good-for-you
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