Lemon water is a great way to start your day, and it’s healthy too. But you may be wondering: how long can lemon water sit out? This post will answer all your questions about how long lemons last and how to use them safely.
How Long Can Lemon Water Sit Out?
Lemon water can be left out for 4 hours. However, you should try to consume it within 2 hours. After that time, it will start to taste bitter since the peel will transfer to the water. In addition, the citric acid may start breaking down and allow bacteria or molds into your drink.
Why Does Lemon Water Go Bad So Quickly?
Lemon juice is sensitive to light, heat, and air. It has a short shelf life and can go bad in a few hours if it’s not stored properly. Lemon juice can spoil before you know it if it sits out for too long.
When you notice that the lemon is turning brown, discard the rest of the juice because bacteria may have grown inside of it and made their way into your drink.
How Can You Tell If Lemon Water Is Spoiled?
So how can you tell if your lemon water is spoiled? Luckily, it’s pretty easy to tell if your lemon water has gone bad. If the water has a sour smell or looks yellow and cloudy, then it’s probably not safe to drink.
If the lemon water just smells like lemons, then you’re good to go! However, even if the juice itself doesn’t look or smell spoiled at all there are still some types of bacteria that could be growing in your cupboard or refrigerator that would spoil it after several hours out of refrigeration.
Storing Lemon Water At Room Temperature
The best way to store lemon water at room temperature is by using an airtight mason jar or a glass bottle with a lid on top. This will keep insects and other germs out and keep your drink safe from contamination.
Is It Safe To Drink Lemon Water That Was Left Out Overnight?
Yes, lemon water is safe to drink if it has been left out overnight. Lemons contain citric acid, which is a natural preservative. The lemon juice will not spoil and make you sick.
However, you should keep in mind that lemon juice does have a shelf life. The longer you leave it out on the counter, the more bacteria will grow in it and cause it to go bad.
So if you leave the lemon juice out overnight, it will start to ferment and not taste good. The same can happen with other foods that contain citric acids like oranges or grapefruit juice.
How Long Can You Store Lemon Water In The Fridge?
If the lemon water has been stored in an airtight container, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you’re making lemon water ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Storing lemon water in a container with a lid will also help keep it fresh and flavorful for longer.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is what gives lemons their sour taste. Citric acid helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of many types of bacteria and molds that can cause food to spoil.
Conclusion
To summarize, you can keep lemon water at room temperature for up to 4 hours, but after that, it should be discarded. If you want to keep your lemon water fresh longer, store them in the fridge, which it will be good for 3 days.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
