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How Long Does Apple Cider Last? Does it Go Bad?

Have you ever seen apple cider at the grocery store and wondered to yourself how long it can last, if it can be stored for an extended period of time, or worse yet- does apple cider go bad?

We understand that these questions might come up and with the fall season upon us, we thought we’d take some time to explain all of the different ways in which apple cider is affected by storage.

Read on as we look into everything from shelf life to safety concerns so that you’ll never have to worry about wasting food or potentially putting your health at risk.

What’s Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a type of juice made from apples.

It can be either hard or soft, and it can be either sweet or sour.

Hard cider is an alcoholic beverage, while soft cider is not.

Apple cider is usually made by crushing apples and then pressing them to extract the juice.

It can also be made by fermenting apple juice.

How Long Does Apple Cider Last In The Fridge?

Apple cider is a delicious, fall favorite.

But how long does it last in the fridge? Here’s everything you need to know about storing apple cider so that it stays fresh and tasty.

Apple cider is made from apples that have been crushed and then strained to remove the solids.

The juice is then pasteurized to kill any bacteria that may be present.

Once pasteurized, apple cider can be stored unrefrigerated for up to two weeks.

If you refrigerate apple cider, it will last much longer – up to four months.

Be sure to store it in a clean, airtight container.

And if you’re not planning on drinking it all within a few days, consider freezing it in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.

That way, you can enjoy a taste of fall anytime you want.

How To Store Apple Cider Properly?

When it comes to storing apple cider, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty.

First of all, always make sure to refrigerate your apple cider after opening it.

This will help to keep it from going bad too quickly.

Secondly, if you have any leftover cider that you don’t plan on drinking right away, be sure to freeze it in an airtight container.

This will help to extend its shelf life so that you can enjoy it later on down the road.

As long as you follow these simple tips, you should be able to enjoy your apple cider for weeks or even months after opening it.

Just be sure to check on it every now and then to make sure that it is still safe to drink.

And if you ever have any doubts, err on the side of caution and toss it out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What Are The Signs Of Bad Apple Cider?

Bad apple cider can have a number of different signs, depending on how it was made and what type of apples were used.

If the cider was made with bad apples, it will usually have a sour smell and taste.

It may also be cloudy or have chunks floating in it.

If the cider was made with good apples but wasn’t stored properly, it may have a vinegary smell and taste.

It may also be darker in color than usual.

How Can You Tell If Apple Cider Has Gone Bad?

You can tell if apple cider has gone bad if it starts to develop a sour smell, off-taste, or mold.

Apple cider is a fall favorite, but it doesn’t last forever.

Here’s how to tell if your cider has gone bad and what you can do with it if it has.

The first way to tell if apple cider has gone bad is by its smell.

Cider should have a sweet, applesauce-like smell.

If it starts to smell sour, then it has gone bad and should be thrown out.

The second way to tell if cider has gone bad is by its taste.

Cider should be sweet with a slightly tart taste.

If it tastes sour or off, then it has gone bad and should be thrown out.

The third way to tell if cider has gone bad is by looking for mold.

Mold will usually appear as white or greenish-white fuzz on the surface of the cider.

If you see mold, throw the cider out immediately as it is not safe to consume.

If you have cider that has gone bad, there are still some ways you can use it.

One way is to cook with it.

Bad cider can still be used in recipes that call for cooked cider, like apple pies or crisps.

Just make sure to cook the cider until it is no longer sour or off-tasting.

Another way to use bad cider is to make vinegar.

To do this, simply pour the bad cider into a clean jar and cover it with a cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Allow it to sit at room temperature for 2-3 weeks until it turns into vinegar.

Once it has turned into vinegar, you can use it in salad dressings, marinades, or any other recipe that calls for vinegar.

Can You Freeze Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a delicious fall drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

If you find yourself with extra cider, you may be wondering if you can freeze it for later.

The good news is that yes, you can freeze apple cider.

When freezing apple cider, it’s important to remember that it will expand as it freezes, so be sure to leave some headspace in the container.

It’s also best to use a freezer-safe container so that your cider doesn’t pick up any off-flavors from the freezer.

Once frozen, apple cider will be good for 8-12 months.

To thaw frozen apple cider, simply transfer the desired amount to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

You can then enjoy your cider cold or reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What Are Some Creative Ways To Use Up Old Or Bad Apple Cider?

Apple cider can last for quite a while in the fridge, but eventually it will go bad.

When this happens, don’t pour it down the drain.

There are actually a lot of different ways to use up old or bad apple cider.

One way to use it is to make a cleaning solution.

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural cleaner.

Just mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and you’ve got yourself a cheap and effective cleaning solution.

You can use it to clean windows, mirrors, countertops, floors – pretty much anything.

Another way to use old apple cider is to cook with it.

There are tons of recipes out there that call for apple cider.

You can use it to make braised pork chops, roasted chicken, or even just a simple glaze for vegetables.

The possibilities are endless.

So next time your apple cider starts to go bad, don’t throw it out – get creative and put it to good use.

Conclusion

Apple cider can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.

After that, it will start to turn bad.

You can tell if apple cider has gone bad if it starts to develop mold or if it has a sour smell.

If you’re not sure, it’s best to throw it out.

You can freeze apple cider to make it last longer.

When you’re ready to drink it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

You can also use bad or old apple cider to make cider vinegar or apple cider syrup.

How Long Does Apple Cider Last? Does it Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Apple cider
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
  • If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!