Packaged fruit juices are sold throughout the world. They are considered a little healthier than other soda drinks etc. Therefore, people prefer to have packaged fruit juices over many other drinks. Many manufacturers make fruit juices and pack them in bottles or other containers. There is a good demand for packaged fruit juices and therefore, the fruit juice business is prosperous. To make fruit juices, special machines and fruit juice processing equipment are used. The manufacturers follow a specific process to make the fruit juices. In this article, we will be exploring the processes and key equipment involved in the making of the juices.
Fruit juice Making Process
Fruit juices are manufactured in fruit factories, using fruit juice processing equipment. In most of the juice factories, juices are derived from the fruits and then they are turned into concentrated juice. While some of the other juice manufactures just buy this concentrate and then do the blending, packaging, and branding to sell them to the customers. The concentrated juices are supplied in barrels to the fruit juice manufacturers in some cases. Whereas, some of the manufacturers follow the complete process of making fruit juice, and make their concentrate.
Making processed juices using fruit juice processing equipment
The overall process of manufacturing fruit juices is called fruit juice processing. However, there is no doubt about the fact that different processes are used to make pure and concentrated juices. Both types of juices are in demand and the manufacturers just have to use the suitable process to make the juice that they want to sell. Also, the fruit juice processing equipment for making different types of juices might differ a little bit. Commercially-made juices are in demand because they are available throughout the year. Whether it’s the season of mangoes or not, you can still relish the tasty packed mango juice. Also, the processes used in the fruit juice manufacturing units include thorough quality checks as well.
Methods of manufacturing fruit juices
Several techniques can be used to make fruit juices. The traditional or the most commonly used method of making fruit juices includes drying, concentrating, heating, cooling, packaging, branding, etc. It also includes the addition of colors, preservatives, acidification, etc.
The advanced version of the traditionally used methods includes the application of increased temperatures. The sterilization and pasteurization processes are used. Also, the low temperature is applied too. Fruit juices are manufactured in a controlled atmosphere. Modern fruit juice processing equipment is used for the microfiltration packaging of the juices as well.
A lot of new processes and equipment are introduced in the fruit juice manufacturing business. Some of the latest processes are photodynamic inactivation, high-pressure treatment, high voltage pulse techniques, and much more. However, they are still not very commonly used. Companies are planning to revamp the equipment and machinery by adding some of the latest features to them.
How to make 100% pure juices?
There are different types of fruit juices available in the market, and the process of making juices is pretty different. For example, if you want to make 100% pure juice, then the process is quite simplified. All you need to do is, wash the fruits and then use the appropriate juicer to extract the juice from the fruits. The juice is extracted by pressing the produce. After extraction, fruit juice is generally heat-pasteurized to ensure food safety. However, some of the manufacturers make the juice via the High-Pressure Processing (HPP) process. If HPP is used then heat pasteurization is not required.
Listed below are a few of the commonly used fruit juice processing equipment:
Cleaning Machine
The fruits first come in contact with a wash line where they are cleaned properly before using them. The raw fruits and other ingredients are washed thoroughly to remove all the impurities from them. Anu trace of dirt, pesticides, etc. is washed away from the fruits. After washing the fruits, they are moved to the other equipment.
Grinder
After cleaning the fruits, they are moved to the grinder, which is probably one of the most important of all the fruit juice processing equipment. Here the fruits are prepared for extraction. There are different shapes and sizes of grinders and the manufacturers can choose the most suitable one as per their needs. A perfect grinder can be used based on the type of fruit used as well as the capacity of the fruit juice production.
Pumps and Extractors
Pumping and extraction happen after the grinding of the fruits. There is a wide range of fruit juice extractors available in the market and it is recommended to use only the one that suits your needs. The extractor contains other tools, like the belt presses and more. Also, there are many cutting-edge features added to the latest extractors a well.
Mixing Tank
A mixing tank is where other ingredients are added to the juices. The concentrates are mixed here, preservatives, water, color, etc. are added to the juice in the mixing tank.
Pasteurization machine
Pasteurizers is an important process as it removed harmful microorganisms from the juice. If makes the juice fit for consumption.
Packaging and Branding
After the juice is prepared completely, the next step is to safely pack and sell it. Manufacturing plants also contain packaging machines to safely pack the juices.
There can be some other fruit juice processing equipment in the market as well. It is important to buy all the necessary equipment, best suited for your needs, from one of the topmost manufacturers.
