Understanding the shelf life and storage requirements of bulk fruit juice concentrate is critical to ensuring its quality and safety. Continue reading to learn more.
Bulk fruit juice concentrate is a popular choice among businesses due to its low cost, long shelf life, and versatility in a variety of applications. However, in order to reap the most benefits, it is critical to understand the right storage requirements and elements influencing shelf life. This article includes a detailed advice to storing bulk fruit juice concentrate in order to retain its quality and safety.
What is Bulk Fruit Juice Concentrate?
Bulk fruit juice concentrate is fruit juice that has lost the majority of its water content due to evaporation. This concentrated form provides for easier transportation and storage because it takes up less space and has a longer shelf life than fresh juice. To use, simply reconstitute the concentrate with water to the appropriate strength.
Factors affecting shelf life
- Temperature: Temperature is one of the most important factors in determining the shelf life of fruit juice concentrate. Storing concentrate at the correct temperature helps to preserve its flavor, color, and nutritional content.
- Refrigeration: To slow down degradation, most fruit juice concentrates should be refrigerated at temperatures ranging from 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freezing the concentrate at 0°F (-18°C) or lower will considerably increase its shelf life, often for years.
Light Exposure
Exposure to light, especially sunlight, can degrade vitamins and antioxidants in juice concentrate. It can also affect colour and flavor. To protect the juice concentrate from light, store it in opaque, airtight containers.
- Oxygen Exposure: Oxygen can cause oxidation in fruit juice concentrate, resulting in poor tastes, colour changes, and nutrient loss.
- Use sealed containers to reduce oxygen exposure: Once opened, ensure that the container is tightly sealed after each use. To increase protection, vacuum seal the concentrate to remove surplus air from the packaging.
Contamination
Microorganism contamination can degrade juice concentrate and put people’s health at risk. Maintaining sanitation and hygiene during storage and handling is critical.
- Clean Environment: Keep the concentrate in a clean, dry location free of pollutants.
- Proper Handling: When handling the concentrate, use clean utensils and equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
Proper Storage Techniques
- Original packaging: If the concentrate is provided in bulk containers, keep it in the original packing until it is needed. These containers are typically meant to keep the concentrate away from light, air, and contamination.
- Airtight containers: To retain freshness, transfer opened packages or lesser quantities of concentrate to airtight containers. Glass jars or food-safe plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are perfect.
- Refrigeration and Freezing: For short-term use, keep the concentrate in the refrigerator. Maintain a steady temperature between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C).
- Long-term Storage: Freeze the concentrate at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Divide the concentrate into smaller parts before freezing so you may thaw only what you need.
- Labelling: Label containers with the date of storage to keep track of their shelf life. Using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) strategy ensures that older stock is used before newer material, hence reducing waste.
Signs of Spoilage
Regardless of safeguards, it is critical to understand the indications of spoiling to ensure the quality and safety of the juice concentrate. Signs include:
- Off-Odor: A sour or peculiar Odor suggests spoilage.
- Colour Changes: Significant darkening or colour changes could indicate oxidation or microbial development.
- Off-flavor: A peculiar or unpleasant taste could indicate spoiling.
- Mold Growth: Visible mold and other odd growths are unmistakable signs of deterioration.
Schare Associates for the best bulk juice concentrate
Schare & Associates – best concentrated juice manufacturers has been a trusted brand in the industry for over 25 years, offering high-quality products and excellent service. Their knowledgeable sales staff are happy to help you locate the best solutions for your needs. Contact them today by email at deals@juicedeals.com or phone at (877) 859-4861. They are looking forward to supporting you with all of your product needs.Â
Schare & Associates, Inc. goes above and above to satisfy your purchasing requirements. If you can’t find your regular ingredients or are seeking for new product sources, our staff is here to help. Their dedicated team will go above and beyond to ensure you get precisely what you need, when you need it.
Conclusion
Understanding the shelf life and storage requirements of bulk fruit juice concentrate is critical to ensuring its quality and safety. By managing temperature, light, oxygen, and contamination, you can keep your juice concentrate fresh and tasty for a longer amount of time. Implementing these storage procedures will help your company reap the full benefits of using bulk fruit juice concentrate, from cost savings to constant product quality.
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