If coconut water is a favored beverage of yours, then you are no stranger to the delight of its unique flavor and refreshing qualities.
But did you know that this popular beverage can go bad?
Coconut water is packed with electrolytes, which makes it an ideal replacement for sports drinks, or simply as a refreshing way to hydrate after working out.
While there are plenty of brands of coconut water available to purchase online, some people have reported finding their bottles of coconut water “gone bad” within weeks.
So what causes this, and how do you avoid it happening to you?
How long does coconut water last
According to Coconut Water Association, coconut water should last at least two years when kept in proper conditions.
The company also recommends storing your bottle in the fridge so that it doesn’t develop bacteria or mold.
If you don’t plan on keeping it in the fridge, just make sure to store it somewhere where it won’t get hot – like the back of a cabinet or closet.
Does coconut water need to be refrigerated?
No, but it helps prolong shelf life.
According to the CDC, coconut water is classified as a perishable food.
It will spoil faster if exposed to high temperatures, light or air.
Refrigeration also slows down the growth of bacteria.
Can you freeze coconut water?
Yes, however, it may change color.
You can freeze coconut water in ice cube trays, but doing so might cause it to become cloudy.
In order to prevent this, you can store the frozen cubes in a plastic bag until you thaw them out completely.
This will preserve the clear appearance of the liquid.
What are the signs that coconut water has gone bad?
There are many ways that coconut water can turn bad.
For example, if your container was opened and closed without using a cap, then you could end up with bacteria.
Additionally, if your coconut water container was left open to the elements, you could find mold growing inside the bottle.
Finally, if you purchased unopened coconut water and found it had gone off before you opened it, then you may have been the victim of tampering.
The most common sign that coconut water has gone bad is a strange smell.
This could mean that the container was sealed improperly, allowing the contents to grow mold or other bacteria.
Another indicator of poor storage would be visible changes in the coconut water’s consistency.
This could indicate the presence of a chemical reaction or the development of bacteria, mold or yeast.
A third indicator is discoloration, which occurs when the water begins to separate into layers.
How can you tell if coconut water is still good?
To test whether coconut water is still safe, pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) into a glass.
Then add 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of lemon juice.
The lemon juice will react with the coconut water and create a fizzy liquid that will rise to the top.
If it bubbles, then the coconut water is fresh and good to drink.
However, if the water does not bubble, then it has probably turned bad and should be discarded.
What does bad coconut water taste like?
Because coconut water contains natural sugars, it can taste sweet.
If it tastes bitter or sour, then the water has likely gone bad.
Some people describe bad coconut water as tasting “rubbery,” while others say it has an unpleasant odor.
Either way, it is best to discard the water immediately.
How can you tell if coconut water has gone bad?
One of the easiest ways to determine whether coconut water has gone bad is by looking at its packaging.
If the containers are leaking or appear damaged, then it is likely that the product is no longer safe to consume.
What are the consequences of drinking bad coconut water?
Drinking bad coconut water can lead to stomach upset, dehydration and headaches.
Although it sounds scary, these symptoms are usually mild and disappear quickly.
How can you tell if coconut water is still good?
To check whether coconut water is still okay to drink, try one of these tests:
- Pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the coconut water into a glass. Add 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of lemon juice. If the coconut water bubbles, then it is fine to drink. If not, then it needs to be thrown away.
- Put 1 teaspoon of coconut water in a bowl and add 6 drops of red food coloring. When you stir the mixture, it should turn pink. If it remains clear, then the coconut water is safe to drink.
- Fill a small saucepan with 2 cups (473 mL) of water and bring it to a boil. Pour 1 cup (235 mL) of the boiling water into another bowl, along with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of salt. Stir well, then add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of lemon juice to the water. If the solution is clear, then the coconut water is safe to drink.
What are the signs that coconut water has gone bad?
As mentioned above, the most common sign that coconut water has gone bad is a strange odor.
Other indicators include a rubbery texture, discolorations and separation.
You can make many dishes made from coconut like coconut macaroons, coconut ice cream, coconut cookie,..
How long does coconut water stay good for?
Unopened coconut water stays fresh for about six months.
Once it has been opened, it only lasts about three days.
To extend its shelf life, make sure that you only use the part of the coconut water that appears to be full.
Coconut Ice Cream Recipe: The Perfect Summer Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 canfull-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the milk and cream of coconut in the container of a food processor or blender, and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in cream and flaked coconut.
- Pour into the container of an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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