Most people know about fruit concentrates from fruit juice drinks. But the process of creating fruit concentrates is not as clear in many people’s minds. And many, in particular, do not understand if fruit concentrates are healthy. Fruit concentrate is a type of juice with much of the water content taken out. This produces a versatile liquid that is used for drinks, flavouring and food products.
Here are some facts about fruit concentrates and what they mean for your health, and for cooking.
Fruit Concentrates and Water
Did you know that fruit juice is 90 per cent water? Water is essential for forming a palatable drink. And when it is removed from juice, you are left with a thick syrup – fruit concentrate. You wouldn’t want to drink the fruit concentrate, but it is easier to store and to transport. Most juice manufacturers that use concentrate, extract it at the source and then recombine with water once the concentrate has been shipped. Fruit juice concentrate suppliers UK restaurants use sell juice concentrates frozen or at room temperature, to be diluted before use.
How Fruit Concentrates Are Made
Growers pick whole fruits and then wash, crush, or blend the fruit to make a pulp. The producer then takes out the water from the pulp, which is evaporated. The fruit concentrates are shipped to their destination, where food manufacturers use them in drinks or food products. The natural flavour of the fruit is often diluted in fruit concentrates, so manufacturers use flavourings or artificial compounds to add the taste back to the product. Some add sweeteners. The healthiest fruit concentrate drink is made from 100% concentrate, with no sugar added.
Health Benefits of Fruit Concentrates
Concentrates made from 100% fruit are healthiest. These contain vital minerals and vitamins. Fruit concentrates also have antioxidant benefits from plant compounds, which help the heart and protect the immune system. Different fruits offer varying health benefits. Oranges and other citrus fruits, for example, help promote skin health. Carrot and tomato concentrates contain beta carotene that helps to reduce inflammation in the skin.
Other Benefits of Concentrates
Fruit concentrates are an economical alternative to fresh fruit and vegetables. Concentrates also have a longer shelf life and can be stored more easily. Concentrates are more practical for restaurants and cafes. The transportation cost of tropical fruits is reduced by using fruit concentrates.
Disadvantages of Fruit Concentrates
Fruit concentrates are more practical in many ways than whole fruits or fruit juice, but there are some downsides. Whole fruits contain fibre, and fruit concentrates do not have this benefit since they do not use the pulp and the skin of the fruit. Some fruit concentrates are not particularly healthy since they are loaded with sugars or artificial sweeteners. Choose the least-processed concentrate when you are looking for optimum health benefits. And always consume fruit juices in moderation since they contain high levels of sugar. Even if the sugar comes naturally from the fruit, it still contributes to obesity if eaten in excess.
