Few things are as hydrating as coconut water.
After a long, hot day, your body is probably calling out for the cooling effect of this popular drink.
It is one of those scorching days, and all you need is some coconut water to refresh you. So you’re just about to open it up when you realize you’ve had it packed away for a pretty long time. Now the questions that cross your mind are: Does coconut water go bad? If so, how long does it last?
Here are your answers to those burning questions: properly stored, unopened coconut water can retain its best quality for up to 6-9 months.
How To Tell If Coconut Water Has Gone Bad
If there is a change in your coconut water’s smell, color, flavor, and appearance, it most probably has spoiled.
If the sweet smell has turned strong or the consistency has thickened, discard it. If the smell and consistency are normal, the next step is to test the flavor. If it tastes sour or has lost its coconut flavor, toss it out. Also, look for carbonation where the coconut water has bubbles.
If there are no signs of spoilage, enjoy your drink without worry.
How To Store Coconut Water
Coconut water can be stored either in the fridge or on the shelf. You want to store your coconut water how it was held in the store when you bought it.
If you found it on the shelf, keep your coconut water in a dry, cool, dark place like a pantry. Try to keep it away from sources of heat and sunlight to retain its best quality.
Whereas coconut water that was in the fridge at the store should be kept refrigerated at all times. Any leftovers from coconut water should be kept sealed tightly in the fridge.
How Long Does Coconut Water Last?
It is good to keep in mind that some coconut water products have added preservatives to increase their shelf-life. Other manufacturers choose to keep their coconut water without any additives, so these won’t last as long.
Have a look at the best-by date, which is usually stamped 12 months after production. Generally, coconut water can last 6-9 months longer after its best-by date. Be sure to judge how long it can be kept by checking for any spoilage.
An opened coconut water can can stay fresh for around 48 hours to 5 days. Watch out for the taste quality. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, discard it.
The Bottom Line
This delicious drink is filled with potassium without excess calories and boasts many other health benefits.
By storing your coconut water properly, you can retain its quality for longer. Although each coconut water product is unique in terms of its shelf life, it is a good idea to look out for a change in color, smell, taste, or consistency to determine if it is safe to consume your coconut water.
