Not-From-Concentrate (NFC) juice is made from freshly squeezed fruits and not from concentration. It provides pure fruit flavor because no water is evaporated and reconstituted to the juice like concentrated juices. Since it comes straight from the fruit sources, it's pure juice with no industrial alterations. Here are ways a NFC juice supplier makes juice that can be used in industrial processes:
Concentrate-Free Process
The process of preparing NFC juices doesn't involve evaporation or heating steps like concentrate juices. The simplified juice process is meant to preserve the original juice texture and avoid intense processing. This also helps to preserve the purity of the fruit. NFC juice production focuses on freshness and the prevention of nutrient depletion.
Minimal Processing
NFC juice production typically doesn't involve complex machinery that can lead to nutrient loss. Instead, there is a minimal intervention that helps to limit chemical exposure and preserve the natural properties of the juice. You don't require excessive treatment that could interfere with the raw freshness of the fruit.
High-Quality Raw Materials
The first step is to get freshly picked fruits that are fully ripe, while avoiding GMO fruits. Avoid bruised fruits that have low flavor profiles and minimal natural sweetness. Make sure that you get ethically sourced crops that are consistent with your standards. Better results require a focus on naturally grown items that don't undergo artificial ripening. Ask the farmer if the fruits are free from disease and how many contaminants were used during the planting process. If possible, choose handpicked fresh fruits and prioritize organic produce.
Cold Pressing Method
The cold pressing process helps to retain fresh nutrients by avoiding the application of heat. An NFC juice supplier typically adopts a gentle pressing system that can extract pure juice to maintain the integrity of fruits. This system has no oxidation risk. It requires specialized equipment that doesn't use a lot of energy. The cold compression method retains the quality of nutrients and leads to juice consistency. It also requires delicate handling of the fruit and the lack of external additives. This process is ideal for delicate fruits because it doesn't involve industrial risks that can lead to external exposure.
Pasteurization
Pasteurization involves applying limited heat for a short time during the extraction of juice. The process avoids high temperatures so as not to overcook the juice. You must use stainless steel equipment to cool the juice or go for a steam pasteurization method. This may also require a heat exchanger system and frequent monitoring of the pasteurization tank.
Vacuum Sealing Methods
NFC juice can be vaccuum-sealed into bags. This process begins by cleaning vacuum chambers and properly sealing the equipment. Then filtrate the juice with the help of vacuum bags. After filtration, completely remove the air from the juice and store the drink in storage bags. Properly seal the bags to control the temperature. By using controlled vacuum levels and tight seals, you can maintain low temperatures and minimize juice oxidation. The process also involves monitoring the stability and freshness of the juice so as to avoid contamination.
Flash-Freeze Methods
This method involves using blast freezers to quickly pre-chill juice and avoid temperature fluctuations. This method can rapidly freeze the juice in small batches. It works best if you store in airtight containers so as to prevent the formation of large ice crystals. Another option is to use sealed bags so that there is even freezing. It could also be helpful if you monitored freezing cycles and frequently checked the frozen storage to retain juice freshness.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
The high-pressure processing (HPP) system is when you use cold water pressure to apply consistent pressure on juice in pre-packed containers. Frequently monitor the pressure to prevent the rupture of containers and retain nutrients and vitamins. The process reduces the presence of pathogens without distorting flavor. If you use certified HPP machines and keep them clean, you can maintain the color of the juice.
Get Help From a NFC Juice Supplier
NFC juice retains most of its nutrients and vitamins during extraction when it is done correctly. It's a relatively simple process that usually doesn't involve complicated machines and avoids introducing chemicals into the juice. Contact a NFC juice supplier to get started in utilizing juice purees on a commercial scale.
