Introduction: Why Fruit Squash Matters
In the world of fruit and vegetable processing, squash stands out as a summer-exclusive beverage that blends health, flavor, and convenience. With increasing demand for nutritious yet shelf-stable drinks, fruit squashes have become a vital product line for food and beverage manufacturing consultants and food industry consultants.
What is Fruit Squash?
Fruit squash is a non-alcoholic, fruit-flavored concentrated syrup made from fruit juice, water, and sugar or sugar substitutes. It’s typically diluted with water before consumption and often includes citrus bases like orange, lime, or lemon, or blends of berries and herbs such as elderflower and ginger.
As per FSSAI regulations, squash must:
- Contain minimum 25% fruit content
- Have minimum 40° Brix total soluble solids
- Not exceed 3.5% acidity (as anhydrous citric acid)
- Use permitted preservatives: 350 ppm sulphur dioxide or 600 ppm benzoic acid
Processing of Fruit Squash: Step-by-Step
1. Fruit Selection
Ripe, fresh fruits are chosen. Avoid overripe or unripe fruits to maintain juice quality.
2. Washing
Fruits are cleaned with water and optionally treated with 0.5% HCl solution to remove dirt and residues like arsenic or lead.
3. Sorting and Grading
Manual or automated systems ensure uniform ripeness and quality.
4. Peeling, Deseeding, Destoning
Fruits are prepared based on type—seeds and stones removed before processing.
5. Cutting, Slicing & Crushing
- Fruits are sliced and crushed.
- Juicy fruits (e.g., citrus) are processed with mechanical pressers.
- Pulpier fruits (e.g., mango, guava) require pulp extraction using perforated metal plates.
6. Pasteurization
Juice is pasteurized at 80–95°C for 10–12 minutes using:
- Plate pasteurizer (most common)
- Tubular pasteurizer
- Steam pasteurizer
7. Clarification
Centrifugation (6000–6500 RPM) or ultraclarifiers ensure juice clarity.
8. Syrup Preparation
Sugar, acid, and water are combined and heated to form syrup.
9. Mixing
Syrup and clarified juice are mixed thoroughly in stainless-steel tanks.
10. Addition of Preservatives
Preservatives like sodium benzoate (1.0 g/L) or KMS are added.
11. Cooling
Product is cooled to room temperature.
12. Deaeration
Oxygen is removed to enhance shelf life and product quality.
13. Aseptic Bottling and Capping
Sterile containers are filled and sealed under aseptic conditions.
Squash Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
Conclusion: Squash Processing in the Food Industry
Fruit squash remains a staple product in food manufacturing. It combines:
- Moderate fruit pulp
- Added sugar and acid for flavor and preservation
- Use of SO₂ to reduce browning and spoilage
For food consultants, food processing consultants, and food technology consulting firms, squash production represents a valuable case study in efficient beverage processing, preservation techniques, and regulatory compliance in the food and beverage sector.
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