Celery juice has become incredibly popular in recent years, with many touting its potential health benefits. Some of the claimed benefits of drinking celery juice on an empty stomach include reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and detoxifying the body.
With the rise in popularity of celery juice, a common question that comes up is whether you can leave celery juice in the fridge overnight. Here is a comprehensive look at what happens when you store celery juice overnight and whether it’s safe to drink the next day.
Does Celery Juice Go Bad Overnight?
In general, pure celery juice does not spoil or go bad overnight when properly stored in the refrigerator. Celery juice consists mostly of water along with some fiber, minerals like potassium and sodium, and other plant compounds.
There are a few reasons why properly stored celery juice retains its freshness overnight:
- Celery juice has a high water content. Foods with high water content are less prone to bacterial growth.
- Celery juice has a low pH, meaning it is acidic. Low pH foods inhibit microbial growth and spoilage.
- Celery juice does not contain many nutrients that bacteria need to multiply quickly.
- Refrigeration temperatures slow down chemical reactions and bacterial growth.
As long as prepared celery juice is promptly refrigerated in an airtight container, it can generally last up to 24 hours before spoilage occurs. However, there are some signs that indicate your celery juice may no longer be good to drink.
Signs Celery Juice Has Spoiled
Here are some signs that celery juice left in the refrigerator overnight has started to spoil and may not be safe to consume:
- Change in color: Fresh celery juice is a vibrant green color. As it starts to spoil, it may turn brown or gray.
- Cloudy appearance: When fresh, celery juice will look clear. Cloudiness indicates microbial growth.
- Unpleasant odor: Spoiled celery juice will start to smell “off” – rotten, sour or yeasty.
- Slimy texture: Fresh celery juice has a thin, watery consistency. If it feels or looks slimy, it has spoiled.
- Mold: You may see fuzzy mold growing on the surface of celery juice past its prime.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the celery juice rather than drink it.
Does Celery Juice Separate Overnight?
In addition to potential spoilage, improperly stored celery juice may separate in the refrigerator overnight. This is due to the heavy sediment settling at the bottom of the juice.
Celery juice contains a high amount of fiber and plant material since it is made by juicing whole celery stalks. The insoluble fiber and pulp tend to separate from the liquid, leaving a layer of sediment at the bottom of the juice.
Separation itself does not mean the celery juice has spoiled. However, a separated juice is more prone to degradation, especially if air is introduced into the container. Make sure to give the juice a good shake or stir before drinking to reincorporate the sediment.
How to Store Celery Juice Properly Overnight
To keep your celery juice optimally fresh for up to 24 hours, here are some tips on proper storage:
- Make sure celery stalks are thoroughly cleaned before juicing.
- Juice celery stalks using a cold-press juicer for best retention of nutrients.
- Pour the juice into an airtight container, leaving minimal air inside.
- Refrigerate juice right away – don’t leave it sitting out.
- Store juice on a shelf rather than the door, which opens frequently.
- If separating occurs, give the juice a shake before drinking.
- Smell and inspect the juice before consuming to check for spoilage.
- Drink the juice within 24 hours for best quality.
An airtight glass mason jar or storage container works best. You can also portion celery juice into multiple smaller containers to minimize air exposure each time you open the container.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
Freezing celery juice can extend its shelf life significantly. Properly frozen juice can last up to 3-4 months in the freezer before deteriorating in quality or safety.
Freezing stops the enzymes and bacteria that cause spoilage. It also prevents separation of the juice and maintains key nutrients like vitamin C.
To freeze celery juice:
- Let freshly made juice cool to room temperature.
- Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace.
- Seal the containers and lay flat in the freezer.
- Frozen juice may be grainy or watery when thawed – shake before drinking.
Thaw frozen celery juice overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before consuming.
Can You Refrigerate Celery Juice Twice?
It’s best to avoid refrigerating celery juice more than once. Each time celery juice is stored in the fridge and re-refrigerated, it loses some freshness and is more susceptible to spoilage.
Here’s why refrigerating celery juice twice is not ideal:
- Opening the container introduces new oxygen that can accelerate spoilage.
- Storing at room temperature for any period allows bacterial growth.
- Temperature fluctuations degrade juice faster than consistent chilled storage.
- Sediment separation intensifies with repeated jostling and storage.
For best quality and safety, try to finish celery juice within 24 hours of making it. If you can’t finish it, discard any remaining juice after a day in the fridge.
Can You Drink Celery Juice Past 24 Hours?
It’s generally not recommended to keep celery juice longer than 24 hours, even when refrigerated. Beyond this time frame, the risk of foodborne illness starts to increase:
| Time Refrigerated | Safety Level |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 hours | Generally safe if properly stored |
| 24-48 hours | Increasing risk of spoilage |
| Over 48 hours | High risk of food poisoning |
There are a few exceptions where celery juice may last slightly longer:
- Juice is portioned into very small, airtight containers
- Juice is made from celery immediately after harvest
- Juice contains added preservatives like lemon juice
But in general, celery juice stored for over 24 hours has a heightened risk of harboring pathogenic bacteria. Consuming spoiled juice can cause uncomfortable symptoms or illness.
Can Spoiled Celery Juice Make You Sick?
Yes, consuming celery juice that has spoiled can make you sick. The types of illness and symptoms depend on what specific bacteria or toxins have grown in the juice:
Salmonella
- Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever
- Lasts 4-7 days
Listeria
- Fever, muscle aches, nausea
- Can cause serious illness in some people
E. Coli
- Severe diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting
- More common in contaminated produce
Mold Toxins
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Can be serious depending on type of mold
To avoid getting sick, inspect celery juice carefully and discard any that shows signs of spoilage. Don’t take risks by consuming juice that smells, tastes, or looks off.
Tips for Drinking Celery Juice Safely
Here are some tips for safely incorporating celery juice into your diet:
- Drink fresh: For the healthiest, safest juice, drink within 24 hours of juicing.
- Store properly: Refrigerate juice right away in an airtight container.
- Don’t push limits: When in doubt, throw it out.
- Rinse produce: Clean celery stalks thoroughly before juicing.
- Check for recalls: Avoid celery from regions with recalls.
- Listen to your body: Discontinue drinking if you feel unwell.
With proper handling and storage, you can safely keep and enjoy celery juice for up to a day before quality and safety decline. Being diligent will help you reap the nutritional benefits of this popular health drink.
The Bottom Line
Celery juice generally keeps well for up to 24 hours when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separating and settling of the pulp is common but does not indicate spoilage alone. Look for changes in color, smell, appearance, or texture to determine if celery juice has spoiled overnight.
For best quality and safety, drink freshly made celery juice immediately and avoid refrigerating it more than once. Discard juice that is older than 24 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
