From orange tree to refreshing glass of juice: The process behind orange concentrate
Orange juice is one of the most widely consumed fruit juices worldwide. But did you know that much of the juice in Europe is made from orange concentrate? This process allows juice to be transported and stored more efficiently, while retaining flavour and nutritional value. At Oranka, we use this technique to deliver our juices and concentrates in a sustainable and efficient manner.
But how is orange concentrate actually made? The process of orange concentrate from tree to juice, let’s follow the process from start to finish.
From orange tree to refreshing glass of juice: The process behind orange concentrate
Orange juice is one of the most widely consumed fruit juices worldwide. But did you know that much of the juice in Europe is made from orange concentrate? This process allows juice to be transported and stored more efficiently, while retaining flavour and nutritional value. At Oranka, we use this technique to deliver our juices and concentrates in a sustainable and efficient manner.
But how is orange concentrate actually made? The process of orange concentrate from tree to juice, let’s follow the process from start to finish.
1. The Harvest: Oranges straight from the tree
The process begins in countries with warmer climates, such as Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers of orange juice. Here, orange trees grow in vast orchards. When the oranges are fully ripe, they are carefully harvested. This is largely done by machine to ensure speed and efficiency, while damaging the fruit as little as possible.
After harvesting, the oranges are taken to a processing facility as soon as possible, where they are thoroughly washed and prepared for the next step: pressing.
2. Pressing and pasteurisation
Once they arrive at the factory , the oranges are pressed, where the juice is separated from the peel and pulp. This fresh juice is then briefly pasteurised. By heating the juice briefly, bacteria and enzymes are deactivated, thus extending the shelf life without compromising the flavour and nutrients.
At this point, the juice can be sold as fresh-squeezed juice . But because the transport costs of fresh juice are extremely high, in many cases the moisture is extracted from the juice to make a concentrated product.
3. Moisture withdrawal: The Secret Behind Orange Concentrate
To make transport and storage more efficient, the juice is concentrated by extracting much of the water from it. This is done through a vacuum evaporation process, in which the juice is gently heated and the water evaporates.
What remains, is a thick orange concentrate that has up to six times less volume than the original juice. This not only saves storage space, but also reduces CO₂ emissions released during transport. The concentrate is then refrigerated or frozen to preserve flavour and nutrients before shipping.
4. Transport to Europe
The concentrated orange juice is transported to Europe by refrigerated ship, where it arrives at ports such as Rotterdam or Antwerp. Here it is stored in refrigerated tanks before further processing.
At Oranka, we use these high-quality concentrates to produce our juices. By diluting the juice locally and filling it into efficient packaging, we offer a sustainable and practical solution for various sectors, such as hospitality, catering and healthcare.
5. From Concentrate to Drink: Filling and Use
Once in Europe, the orange concentrate is mixed with just the right amount of water to restore the original juice. This is done according to strict standards to ensure the flavour and quality of the juice.
At Oranka, we then fill the juice into different containers, depending on the application:
- Premix Bag-in-Box: For hotels and catering venues where speed and convenience are important.
- Concentrates in Bag-in-Box or Tetra Pak: Ideal for dispensers and locations where efficient use of space and longer shelf life are required.
- Mono packs: Convenient bottles or packs for grab-and-go concepts.
Thanks to this process, we can offer orange juice that is not only delicious and nutritious, but is also produced sustainably and efficiently.
Sustainability and Efficiency with Oranka
By working with orange concentrate, we not only save on transport and storage, but also reduce the environmental impact of our juices. Less packaging material, fewer transport movements and a more efficient production process ensure that our juices are a responsible choice.
Do you want to benefit from high-quality orange juices with a sustainable background? Check out our range of concentrates and fruit juices and find out which solution best suits your business.
Conclusion
Orange concentrate is a smart way to make orange juice accessible worldwide without compromising on taste or quality. From orchards in Brazil to juice dispensers in the Benelux, the process behind orange concentrate is a fascinating journey that combines efficiency and sustainability. At Oranka, we use this method to provide our customers with high-quality, eco-friendly juices that perfectly suit their needs.
Want to know more about our fruit juices and concentrates? Contact us and discover the possibilities! ?
