{"id":7435,"date":"2022-06-04T00:54:33","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T00:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/?p=7435"},"modified":"2022-06-06T14:24:04","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T14:24:04","slug":"how-long-does-apple-cider-last-opened","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/how-long-does-apple-cider-last-opened\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Apple Cider Last Opened? [A Complete Guide with Q&A]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Come autumn and you\u2019ll find family and friends recreating their best apple cider recipes.<\/p>\n

 A glass of fresh apple cider with a hint of cinnamon or spice is such a delightful way to enjoy the holidays. And why wait for the weather to get chilly?<\/p>\n

 Apple cider, mulled or plain, can be enjoyed any time of the year and not just as a delightful drink. You can add them to sauces, in cookies, crumbles and bars, or use preserves for its pectin content. <\/p>\n

 So, you finally got around to make apple cider for the first time at home. Maybe you received a canned bottle from a friend or picked a carton from the grocery aisle. <\/p>\n

 It\u2019s perfectly natural to want to make it go a long way, and retain the flavor.<\/p>\n

Are you wondering for how long you can store apple cider after you\u2019ve opened it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opened jars and cartons of apple cider, freshly canned or purchased, can last for two hours at room temperature. It stays fresh for a week in the fridge to more than a year in your freezer.Some say indefinitely when constantly frozen at 0\u00b0 F.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With this guide, you will know how long you can store opened apple cider. I will be providing pointers for pushing the shelf life further and checking for signs of spoiling. <\/p>\n

 But before that, make sure your cider is made with pasteurized apple juice.<\/em><\/strong> Otherwise, you could end up with a foodborne illness.<\/p>\n

Benefits Of Sweet Apple Cider<\/h3>\n

 Apple cider is basically apple juice extracted from pulp that has been heated. It has all the nutrients found in the juice and some more.<\/p>\n

 For one, cider includes some apple particles while apple juice is filtered to remove all fruit. That\u2019s why cider tends to have a darker, opaque texture compared to the lighter juice.<\/p>\n

 While commercial versions of both drinks are pasteurized, apple juice can be loaded with extra sugar, corn syrup and artificial flavorings making it unhealthier.<\/p>\n

 Besides, sweet cider is said to contain two time more antioxidants compared to filtered apple juice.<\/p>\n

Check out: Top 10 Keto Friendly Snacks to Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Are Apple Cider And Apple Cider Vinegar The Same?<\/h3>\n

 While they are made from the same ingredient \u2013 apples \u2013 the process and the final product are vastly different. <\/p>\n

 The apple cider or sweet cider you find in the US is a healthy drink similar but stronger than apple juice. In Europe and other countries, cider refers to hard cider made from fermented apple juice. <\/p>\n

 Apple cider vinegar (AVC) is made by fermenting apples to change it chemical composition and become vinegar \u2013 the natural preservative.<\/p>\n

 Unlike sweet cider, AVC is more of a natural remedy that should be consumed in small quantities. It is used in baking, as a preservative, or in sweeter vinaigrettes. <\/p>\n

 So, coming back to your question:<\/p>\n

\"Apple<\/span><\/p>\n

How Long Does Apple Cider Last Once Opened? <\/h2>\n

 The answer will largely depend on the temperature and storage conditions. In colder weather, apple cider can last a bit longer in the pantry.<\/p>\n

 Opened and unopened cider last roughly the same amount of time without the use of preservatives to increase shelf life.<\/p>\n

 Related: Does Buttercream Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

How Long Can Opened Apple Cider Sit Out?<\/h6>\n

If you\u2019re planning to use spiced or sweet apple cider in a short while, you can keep it at room temperature (between 60-70\u00b0F). But don\u2019t let it sit out for more than 2-3 hours, especially in hot weather. <\/p>\n

 The reason for this is simple. Your cider will start fermenting in warm temperature.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 How Long Does Opened Apple Cider Last In The Refrigerator? <\/h6>\n

If you planning to use this cider later, say as a dinner party drink, then refrigerate it immediately after you\u2019ve bought or made it.<\/p>\n

 An opened bottle of apple cider that has been refrigerated should remain fresh for 7 to 10 days after opening.<\/p>\n

 As this is a seasonal drink available for a short period in grocery stores, you may want to buy now for future use.  To extend the best-by date further, the freezer is your best option.<\/p>\n

Discover: How to Freeze potatoes Without Blanching<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

How Long Does Sweet Cider Last In The Freezer? <\/h3>\n

When you store it properly (I share some best tips later in this guide) this apple drink will maintain its quality for 8-12 months. The freezing should be done at 0\u00b0F or lower for best quality.<\/p>\n

But the delightful drink will last much longer, without expiring and you can safely consume this after you thaw it.<\/p>\n

How Long Does Apple Cider Last After Being Frozen And Thawed? <\/h3>\n

 Cider is usually thawed in two ways. Either overnight in the fridge or directly in cold water or microwave. <\/p>\n

 You can defrost your frozen drink by keeping it in the fridge overnight. Thawed in this manner, it will last for 3-5 days before its starts losing its flavor. <\/p>\n

 A quicker way to thaw is to sue the defrost setting in the microwave or place the bottle\/jar in a bowl of cold water. This apple cider needs to be drunk or used immediately, and the extra liquid drained down the sink.<\/p>\n

\"Apple<\/span><\/p>\n

What About Unopened Apple Cider?<\/h2>\n

 An unopened jar of cider should last for two weeks in the fridge and indefinitely in the freezer.<\/p>\n

 It is not shelf stable due to the lack of preservatives or additional sugar.  Like opened cider, this will not last long at room temperature or in the kitchen cabinet.<\/p>\n

You may also like: Is There A Nut Allergy Free Peanut Butter? [+ How to Make!]<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Can You Prolong The Shelf Life Of Your Apple Cider?<\/h3>\n

 There are a few ways to make your cider last longer in the fridge or freezer.<\/p>\n