THE TRUTH ABOUT CONCENTRATED JUICE
TheĀ sole reason for concentrating juice is to save moneyĀ onĀ storage, packaging,Ā and shipping costs. Concentrates are made by taking a fruit juice, heating it to a very high temperature and evaporating off the water. This process leaves behind a thick syrup that is a small proportion of the original volume of juice; it can beĀ as low as 12% with orange juice!Ā This makes it cheaper to ship (less weight).
OnceĀ the cartons of concentrated juice arrive at their destination, water is added back to restore the juice to its original volume. 'Add-backs'Ā such as fruit aroma, peel oil and a very small portion of fresh juiceĀ are added back to give the juice a 'fresh' aroma and flavour balance similar to that of natural fruit juice.
Manufacturers use the lowest quality fruits because of the harsh process involved in making concentrate. This results in a juice which tastes 'cooked' and the exposure to excess heat means that mostĀ of the nutritional goodness is lost.