FRUIT JUICE
PROCESSING
Introduction
A wide range of drinks can be made using extracted fruit juice or fruit pulp as the base material.
Many are drunk as a pure juice without the addition of any other ingredients, but some are
diluted with sugar syrup. The types of drink made from fruit can be separated into two basic
types;
- those that are drunk straight after opening
- those that are used little by little from bottles which are stored between use.
The former groups should not require any preservative if they are processed and packaged
properly. However, the latter group must contain a certain amount of permitted preservatives to
have a long shelf-life after opening. The different types of drink are classified according to the
following criteria:
Type
Juices
Nectars
Squashes
Cordials
Syrups
Description
Pure fruit juice with nothing added
Normally contain 30% fruit solids and are drunk immediately after opening
Normally contain at least 25% fruit pulp mixed with sugar syrup. They are diluted to
taste with water and may contain preservatives
Are crystal-clear squashes
Are concentrated clear juices. They normally have a high sugar content
Each of the above products is preserved by a combination of natural acidity, pasteurisation and
packaging in sealed containers. Some drinks (syrups and squashes) also contain a high
concentration of sugar which helps to preserve them.
Equipment required
Peeler
Measuring cylinder
Knives (stainless steel)
Capping machine
Cutting boards
Wooden spoons
Juice extractor
Plastic funnels
Thermometer
Plastic buckets
Analytical balance
Strainers
Stainless steel saucepan
10kg scales
Cleaning equipment (brushes, scourers, cloths, hosepipes etc) 2 gas cylinders, 2- or 3- ring
burners.
Building with large preparation table, smaller table for gas burners, shelves for products, sink,
draining board, taps, cupboard for labels and dry ingredients.
The total capital for equipment and furnishings is likely to be £500-800 ($US900-1440),
working capital for fruit purchase, packaging and other materials is likely to be around £600
($US1080).
The cost of a building is not included, but it should have the following features:
Sloping concrete floor and proper drainage for washing down each day
A potable water supply
Preferably electricity
Screened windows and doors to reduce insects
Practical Action, The Schumacher Centre, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ, UK
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