If I were to outline things that best describe the summer season, besides swimming and ice cream, I would list fruit infused water as well.
And for some of us, it is a drink that cannot miss on those hot days when everything around you is melting.
Also, if you are among the increasing numbers of people choosing tasty and health-conscious drinks over sugary soft drinks, then you must have already discovered fruit-infused water or eagerly want to try the refreshing beverage.
Additionally, you may struggle to drink the recommended amount of water throughout the day.
Fruit flavored water becomes a simple, healthy way to improve your water intake and makes drinking water more enjoyable.
While this drink has no added sugar and few to no calories, making it the healthier option, it can present health issues when fresh fruits are not handled correctly, or it spoils.
Thus, it is important to determine how long does Fruit Infused Water last?
How Long Does Fruit Infused Water Last? Does Fruit Infused Water Go Bad?
How long this special drink lasts depends on where it is stored.
Its shelf life differs when stored in the pantry, fridge, or when frozen.
However, it does not matter where you store the drink; it still goes bad after some time.
- Shelf life in pantry .
The drink lasts for a short period when stored in the pantry.
If left out at room temperature in the pantry, you should consume it within four hours.
The water would last slightly longer, but it is recommended that you enjoy the drink sooner after preparation if you are not going to store it in a refrigerator.
- Shelf life in a refrigerator .
If you refrigerate the water at 40 F or lower, it can stay fresh for approximately three days.
It may be safe to drink after staying in the refrigerator for slightly longer than three days.
However, after three days, the fruit may start to disintegrate, giving the water a bitter taste that you will not find enjoyable.
Remove the fruits from the water after 24 hours to prevent it from spoiling sooner than expected.
Additionally, before putting the drink in a refrigerator, you should put it in a container or a bottle and ensure that it is tightly sealed.
Storing it that way will protect it from the unpleasant roaming flavors and scents in your refrigerator.
Additionally, it will make the water more resistant to bacteria growth, increasing its shelf life.
- Can fruit infused water be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the water.
Infuse water with your fruit of choice, and then pour it into an ice tray.
Place the tray in a freezer for about 2 hours to get infused ice cubes.
How to Tell if Fruit Infused Water is Bad?
If your water spoils, there are a few pointers to check that indicate unusable water.
Some of the signs of spoiled fruit infused water include:
- Your water has started becoming bitterer than it was when you first infused it.
- Your drink has begun to taste flat instead of tangy and flavorful.
- Your water has become darker and cloudier than it was when you first made the mixture.
Spoiled infused water can be a result of several causes.
Some of them include storing the infusion for more time than is recommended.
For instance, you should store it for a maximum of four hours in the pantry and three days in the fridge.
Anything exceeding the recommended time limit will make your water to spoil.
Improper handling of fresh fruits can also cause your special drink to spoil and become darker and cloudier due to bacteria contamination.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that fresh fruits are potentially hazardous since bacteria from the produce can get into your beverages, including infused water.
Thus, it is vital to handle and prepare fresh fruits safely.
Another common cause for infused water spoiling is storing it inappropriately.
It is vital to store it in a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination.
Additionally, you should store leftover of this drink at the right temperature, preferably 40F or lower.
Be sure to check the water for any spoilage before drinking.
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