Ultra-high pressure homogenization of unpasteurized juice

Abstract

Fresh squeezed single-strength citrus juice or other juices are homogenized under an ultra-high pressure of about 15,000 psi. Surprisingly, the ultra-high pressure homogenized juice exhibits an increased shelf life and decreased microbiological activity compared to juice homogenized under conventional pressures. The microbiological activity present in the juice is significantly reduced despite the fact that no pasteurization step is conducted. Single-strength juice processed in this manner maintains good flavor and palatability for 40 days at a storage temperature of 40.degree. F. or lower compared to less than one-half this shelf life for untreated juice.

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