Should You Refrigerate Apple Cider?
Apple cider is a popular fall beverage made from apples that can be served warm or cold. Many people wonder if apple cider needs to be refrigerated for food safety or if it will keep at room temperature. Here is a comprehensive look at how to store apple cider properly.
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider refers to unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice made by pressing apples. It often contains apple pulp and sediment. The term "apple cider" is used in the United States and Canada.
On the other hand, "sweet cider" and "soft cider" refer to filtered, sweetened apple juice, sometimes with added preservatives. Another product called "hard cider" contains alcohol due to fermentation.
Raw vs Pasteurized Apple Cider
Apple cider can be either raw or pasteurized:
- Raw apple cider is unpasteurized. It is usually found at farms, farmers markets, and some natural food stores. Raw cider contains natural microbes from the apples.
- Pasteurized apple cider has been briefly heated to kill pathogenic bacteria without cooking the cider. It has a longer shelf life than raw cider.
Room Temperature Storage
Because apple cider contains live cultures and enzymes, some sources say it's best stored at room temperature. The natural yeasts can continue fermenting the natural sugars, creating alcohol and carbonation.
However, raw apple cider left unrefrigerated becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Contamination can occur during cider production, transport, or storage. Raw produce naturally carries some bacteria.
Within 1-2 days, the pH level of apple cider changes as alcohol forms, making it easier for pathogens to multiply. Most food safety experts warn against leaving raw apple cider unrefrigerated.
Refrigerated Storage
To prevent foodborne illnesses, raw apple cider should be refrigerated at 40F or below until ready to drink. Pasteurized cider will also keep better refrigerated.
At cold temperatures, yeast fermentation slows way down, preventing alcohol formation. Enzymes are also less active under refrigeration.
Cold storage prevents the growth of dangerous E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and other bacteria. Growth of molds and fungi is also inhibited.
Refrigeration preserves the flavor and nutritional value of apple cider for 2-4 weeks. Key active compounds like vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols last longer.
How To Store Apple Cider Properly
Follow these tips for safe handling and storage of apple cider:
- Purchase pasteurized cider from grocery stores and retailers when possible.
- Check the expiration or use-by date on apple cider.
- Inspect containers for damage or leaks before buying.
- Refrigerate apple cider right away, even if the bottle says refrigeration is recommended but not required."
- Store unopened cider toward the back of the refrigerator, not the door.
- Keep apple cider refrigerated at 40F or below.
- Consume refrigerated raw cider within 2 weeks.
- Consume refrigerated pasteurized cider within 1 month.
- Dont let apple cider sit unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
- Discard apple cider that smells or tastes unpleasant.
Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider
Enjoying a glass of chilled apple cider is very healthy. According to research, apple cider delivers many science-backed benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants
Apple cider is loaded with protective antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These compounds fight cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals.
Supports Gut and Liver Health
Apple cider vinegar contains healthy probiotics and beneficial acids that promote gut and liver function. Pectin fiber also feeds good gut bacteria.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The antioxidants and acids in apple cider lower inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to nearly every disease.
Immune-Boosting Properties
Certain compounds in apple cider like vitamin C, prebiotics, and polyphenols help strengthen immune defenses against pathogens.
Heart Health Benefits
Research shows that drinking apple cider every day significantly improves cholesterol levels and lowers cardiovascular disease risk.
May Support Weight Loss
Some evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar supports weight loss by making you feel fuller. The acetic acid may also prevent fat accumulation.
Antimicrobial Activity
Apple cider contains organic acids that show antibacterial effects against foodborne pathogens like E. coli. More research is needed.
Potential Side Effects
Apple cider is generally safe to consume but has some potential side effects to be aware of, especially with excessive intake:
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Throat irritation
- Dental erosion
- Drug interactions
- Hypokalemia
- Bone loss
People with diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or low potassium levels should use caution and speak to a doctor before regularly consuming apple cider.
Fun Apple Cider Recipes
Chilled apple cider is delicious straight from the fridge, but you can also liven it up with these tasty recipes:
Hot Spiced Apple Cider
Warm up with this cozy brew of apple cider simmered with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, oranges, maple syrup, and optional brandy.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Fizzy apple cider makes a great non-alcoholic base for sangria punched up with fruit juices, slices of fresh apples and oranges, spices, and soda water.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Drizzle this sweet-tart vinaigrette made with apple cider, olive oil, mustard, shallots, and maple over fresh fall salads. It's so delicious.
Mulled Apple Cider
Mulling apple cider means heating it up with fall flavors like orange, lemon, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and other warming spices for a comforting hot drink.
The Bottom Line
Apple cider that hasn't undergone pasteurization must be stored in the refrigerator at 40F or below. While beneficial microbes can thrive at room temperature, harmful pathogens also multiply rapidly in raw apple cider left unrefrigerated.
Drink refrigerated cider within 2 weeks, and don't leave it sitting out for over 2 hours. Properly stored apple cider delivers healthy probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants that support your gut, liver, heart, immune system, and more!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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