Coconut water is a refreshing and healthy drink that we love starting the morning with. We wouldn’t be shocked if you decided to stock up and buy a whole case so you always have it one hand. But, if you are going to be storing coconut water long term, you need to ask yourself: can coconut water go bad?
Short Answer:
In this article, we will be looking at the shelf-life of coconut water and how you can store it to make it last longer.
Read on to find out more.
What Is Coconut Water?
To understand the shelf-life of coconut water, we need to understand what it actually is.
We know the name suggests that it involves fresh water, which rarely spoil but this is not the case.
Coconut water is the water from the inside of a young coconut, so it is fruit juice. This means that it has a limited shelf-life.
Since it is naturally occurring, it doesn’t require any processing and can be poured straight from a green coconut.
Later in its life, the coconut will mature and turn hard and brown while the coconut water inside will solidify into coconut flesh.
Can Coconut Water Go Bad?
Coconut water will eventually go bad, but can last up to a year if unopened and stored correctly.
Since it is a fruit juice, it has a limited shelf life so we need to know what fresh coconut water is like so we don’t get a nasty surprise.
Fresh one will be:
1. Sweet Aroma
When you open the packaging, you will notice a very faint sweet scent.
It will be slightly coconutty but will hardly be noticeable until you get up close.
2. Thin Consistency
Although it is slightly thicker than water, it will still be very liquid and pourable.
3. Fresh, Coconutty Flavor
It has a very refreshing taste with a sweet and nutty flavor.
It will not taste like a coconut flavored beverage, it is far more delicate and refreshing because its the real thing.
How to Tell if Coconut Water Has Gone Bad
So what if you have had your coconut water for quite a while or its been left open?
Bad one will be:
1. Strong Smell
The first sign that you will notice is the bad smell.
It will smell very strong and sour.
2. Thickened Consistency
Over time, it will thicken and become less water-like.
This change in texture may also indicate that there is mold present, which can be very dangerous to drink.
3. Signs of Carbonation
When a fruit juice ages, especially when subjected to heat, will begin to ferment.
The sugars will begin to break down and give off carbon dioxide bubbles that you will see on the surface of the water.
4. Sour Flavor
We know this is unpleasant, but if you want to be sure that your coconut is bad you’re going to have to taste it.
It will taste rancid and sour.
What’s the Best Way to Store Coconut Water?
Coconut water can be found packaged in cans, plastic bottles, and tetrapak cartons, but they can all be stored the same way.
Before opening, it should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Once it has been opened, it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 48 hours
FAQ
Conclusion
After getting into the world of coconut water, we now know the following:
- Coconut water can go bad, but it will last up to a year.
- Once opened, it should be consumed within 48 hours.
- Coconut water should be stored in a cool, dark place.
So, if you do like a nice, fresh coconut water in the morning, why not stock up for the next few weeks and store it in a cool, dark place ready to drink?
Up Next: Your Common Food Ingredient’s Shelf Life – A Comprehensive Guide By Groups
