Apple juice concentrate is an ingredient that’s widely used at home and in the food industry due to its versatility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. However, few people have any idea what goes into apple juice concentrate. Is it purely apples, or is there something else added? This article explains what apple juice concentrate is made of, how it is derived, and what to look for when choosing the right product for your needs.
The Basics of Apple Juice Concentrate
Apple juice concentrate is a product produced from fresh apples that have undergone processing to eliminate most of their water content, therefore turning it into a thick liquid. Concentrating the apples maintains the freshness flavor and sweetness of the apples, adding to the advantages of longer shelf life and reducing shipping costs.
Pure apple juice concentrate contains apples as the main ingredient. Sometimes, though, depending on the Apple Juice Concentrate manufacturer and type of product, there are other added ingredients.
Common Ingredients Found in Apple Juice Concentrate
The most basic and critical ingredient for apple juice is constituted from pressed apples. Quality concentrate often identifies the apple variety, since this significantly impacts flavor and sugar contents. Some even mention the apples are of organic origin.
Natural Sugars
The fructose, glucose, and sucrose are natural ingredients in apples that give the concentrate its sweet taste. Pure apple juice concentrate does not have any of these added in – they are naturally present.
Water (in reconstituted products):
Water is usually taken out in the process of concentration but is added in the process of reconstitution for consumption as juice. This renews the amount lost to get an ideal consistency and taste.
Citric Acid:
The addition of citric acid sometimes takes place to introduce flavor and bitterness, balancing the sweetness in the juice, while it also naturally preserves the product, thus improving its shelf life.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C):
Ascorbic acid is added to enhance the nutritive value of some concentrates. It prevents oxidation that affects color and flavor.
Preservatives:
The commercial concentrates of apple juice can be treated with preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage and to lengthen shelf life. However, these are not always present in organic or minimal processing types.
Overall
Apple juice concentrate is one of a wide range of food products made primarily from apples. Most products contain only natural ingredients, but a few contain added sugars, preservatives, and flavorings. Knowing what is in apple juice concentrate puts the consumer in a better place to make informed choices that can align with health goals and taste preferences.
By choosing high-quality, minimally processed options, you will be able to enjoy the natural sweetness and intense flavor of apples in a variety of applications. Also, if you are looking for quality wholesale juice concentrates, take a look at our concentrate page
