- Lemon juice concentrate: how is it obtained?
- Properties and benefits of lemon juice concentrate
- Uses of lemon juice concentrate in the food industry
- Other fruit juice concentrates of importance in the food industry
- Julián Soler: worldwide supplier of grape juice concentrate
Citrus juices have special relevance around the world, both culturally and nutritionally, and are therefore in high demand. Among these citrus fruits is lemon juice concentrate, a product with multiple applications in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and nutraceutical industries, including the restaurant sector. Moreover, this concentrate represents a market with remarkable growth. Not only because consumers are opting for natural and healthy beverages, but also because of the versatility of lemon juice concentrate, allowing companies to diversify their products to offer a wide variety of options to the end customer.
In this post we take a look at the advantages of concentrated lemon juice. We explain its elaboration process, its properties and benefits for the organism. In addition, we list the variety of applications it has and name other important fruit juice concentrates in the industry.
Lemon juice concentrate: how is it obtained?
Lemon juice concentrate is obtained by removing a significant percentage of the water content from the natural juice. First, the lemons are processed, removing the peel and seed, in order to squeeze out all the pulp. The second major step is to subject the juice obtained to a heat treatment, in which part of the water in the juice is evaporated. This concentration process results in a translucent liquid, or very pale yellow in color, with a thick consistency. It preserves the aroma, acidity and nutritional properties of the lemon. In addition, it concentrates its natural sugars, between 45 and 55 °Brix.
On the other hand, concentrated lemon juice has a significantly smaller volume than NFC (Not From Concentrate, which is obtained by just processing the fresh fruit, without evaporating the water). Therefore, its transportation and storage is convenient and quite cost-effective for industries. In addition, unlike NFC juice, lemon juice concentrate has a longer shelf life.
Properties and benefits of lemon juice concentrate
Although in the process of obtaining lemon concentrate the pulp is removed and the product is heated, this citrus concentrate preserves the nutritional content of the lemon and its great health benefits. Vitamins A and C, sodium, potassium and calcium are highlighted. In addition, in small amounts, vitamin E, iron and zinc are also present. Consequently, this citrus concentrate acts to:
- Improve digestion.
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Treat urinary tract infections.
- Help in weight control.
- Eliminate toxins from the body.
- Help the body absorb higher levels of iron.
- Prevent kidney stones, etc.
Source of vitamin C
Lemon juice concentrate is rich in vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system, the natural production of collagen and the general well-being of the body.
Low pH
Although concentrated lemon juice is acidic (pH 2~3), it has an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to balance the pH level. This is associated with fighting disease, reducing inflammation and improving bone health.
Antimicrobial properties
Concentrated lemon juice naturally contains citric acid, which can break down the cell membranes of some bacteria. This is why it is associated with antimicrobial properties, serving for water disinfection and cleaning in general. It is even often used in the chemical industry for the production of multipurpose cleaners.
Natural detoxifier
Lemon juice concentrate also acts as a natural detoxifier for the body, helping to balance the metabolism and promoting healthy digestion. For this reason, it is widely used by the food industry in the production of health drinks and diet foods, as well as nutritional products for athletes.
Antioxidant properties
Due to the presence of flavonoids and its vitamin C content, concentrated lemon juice is also a rich source of antioxidants. Because of this, it is considered a protector of cells to prevent cancer. In addition, these antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the risk of degenerative or brain diseases.
Popular citrus flavor
In addition to its nutritional profile, lemon juice concentrate has citrus and spicy notes that make it versatile in the foodservice sector, for preparing and enhancing the flavors of various types of dishes, such as meat, fish and vegetarian foods.
Uses of lemon juice concentrate in the food industry
In addition to its properties, lemon juice concentrate has the advantage of having a transparent or clear nature, which makes it easy to mix and process into various products in different industries. For example, lemon juice concentrate is used in:
- Food and beverage industry, mainly to enhance or improve flavors of fruit soft drinks, carbonated beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, sauces, dressings, etc. It is used to:
- Emulsify and improve the flavor of dairy industry products, such as yogurts, milkshakes and ice cream.
- Flavoring and adding a citric touch to bakery and confectionery food products, such as candies, cakes and cookies.
- Enhancing flavors. For example, it is used as a meat flavoring.
- Adjusting the pH of wine, beer, jams, jellies and jellies.
- Pharmaceutical sector. Especially in the manufacture of vitamin C supplements in various presentations, gummies, tablets and drops.
- Chemical industry, as an ingredient in the manufacture of cleaning products.
- Cosmetic industry, mainly in:
- The manufacture of skin products, which help control oil and balance pH.
- As a preservative in personal care products, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.
Other fruit juice concentrates of importance in the food industry
In general, concentrated fruit juices offer several advantages to the industry: extended shelf life, storage convenience and reduced transportation costs. In addition, they are concentrates that offer the flavor, aroma and nutrients of the fruit, without preservatives or additives. This appeals to consumers who are looking for products with healthy ingredients and a clean label.
On the other hand, each fruit juice concentrate has relevant properties, for example:
Orange juice concentrate
It is a concentrate rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the immune system and is an excellent antioxidant to protect the body’s cells. This concentrated fruit juice has an intense flavor, sweetness and aroma of fresh oranges, and is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a natural flavoring for cakes, cookies, syrups, jams and carbonated beverages.
Grape juice concentrate
Concentrated grape juice, white or red, is a source of vitamin C, multiple minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, etc.) and especially resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from cell degeneration, helping to prevent cancer and heart disease. It even contains polyphenols, so it also helps to balance the intestinal microbiota.
Grape juice concentrate can therefore be used in many ways, as a natural sweetener, a preservative for fruit jams or jellies, a natural colorant for desserts, ice cream and beverages. In addition, it can be used for functional foods, such as sports or energy drinks and nutritious baby food.
Apple juice concentrate
It is also a source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Among its great advantages is that its flavor profile and color facilitates its integration into various food products. It is widely used to produce alcoholic and carbonated beverages, jams, sauces, vinegars, etc. It is also used as a natural sweetener in sweets or dairy products, such as milkshakes and yogurts.
Julián Soler: worldwide supplier of grape juice concentrate
At Julian Soler we share our passion for grapes with the world. We have more than 50 years producing and exporting natural and authentic concentrated grape juice. We only use fresh grapes that come from our own vineyards and local farmers, guaranteeing full traceability of the product.
We apply the highest standards of quality and food safety. In addition, we use state-of-the-art technology that allows us to control our unique process. We have our own laboratory and R&D&I department that allows us to turn our own ideas or those of our customers into high value-added food innovations.
We are your Global Grape Solution Supplier. We export our concentrated grape juices to all continents, through a customized service that we adapt to the characteristics and requirements of your company. Request a sample without obligation and check the quality of our white or red must.
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