This may sound incredibly obvious, but when I first started juicing, I made the mistake of not thinking this part through well enough: What are you going to store your juice in? How many juice bottles are you going to need? How will you transport your juice on the days you’re on the go or traveling?
Drinking 6 juices a day, and making enough for 3 days at a time means having 18 individual containers available at any given moment. Definitely something to consider. So here’s what I do for storage, plus some tips on how to bottle your juice for maximum freshness:
Glass Juice Bottles
Glass juice bottles are my absolute favorite. It’s the healthiest way to store fresh juice because the glass helps prevent rapid oxidation. They can be costly, but searching online for the right vendor can make it more affordable. The ones I found on Amazon are sold in sets of six for only $18.00. These come with a stainless steel lid and are dishwasher safe. I own several sets and have been very happy with them.
Another option is Mason Jars, which many people enjoy. I like them too, I just don’t like that they don’t fit in the cup holder of my car. But really, any glass bottle with an air tight lid will work. Again, just aim for one that will hold 16-18 ounces of juice, which is a serving.
Plastic Disposable/Recyclable Juice Bottles
While glass bottles are my favorite, some days I just need the freedom of being able to drink my juice, toss the bottle, and move on. So on the days I know I’m going to be running errands or even traveling, I opt for clear, PET recyclable juice bottles.
I get mine from Cup Barn and order them by the case. However, you don’t have to buy excessive quantities to get a good deal. With most vendors, you’ll end up at about .55 – .60 a bottle.
Many people often ask if empty water bottles are okay for storing fresh juice. I don’t recommended it. The thin plastic of a water bottle is simply not strong enough to preserve your juice and will allow for quick oxidation. It’s really best to opt with glass when you can, or clear plastic PET bottles for on the go.
Some Additional Tips:
Now that you know what to store your juice in, here are some tips for bottling and transporting your fresh juice:
- Pour it and refrigerate it right away. Air equals oxidation. Once you make your juice, don’t let it sit out on the counter, or in the container of your juicer. As soon as you make it, either drink it fresh or bottle and refrigerate it right away.
- Don’t leave any air space at the top of your bottle. When storing your juice, fill the bottle all the way to the top, even if some juice spills out when you tighten your lid. That’s actually a good sign.
- Store for a maximum of three days. Shelf life really depends on the ingredients in each juice. Most juices that contain lemon, for example, (which is a natural preservative) can last up to three days. But if your juice starts to change color or taste funny, it’s time to toss it.
- When traveling, store juice on ice. I travel with a small cooler in the back of my car filled with ice and/or lots of ice packs. Just “cool” won’t work; you need “cold” to keep your juice well preserved.
Be sure to join me for my next post, Three Simple Juice Recipes For Beginners.
Here’s to your health!
Linda G. Riddle
Linda G Riddle 