Citrus peels are an often-overlooked byproduct of the juice industry, but they hold significant value for further processing. Recent advancements made by OptiCept in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology may revolutionize the way we extract juice from citrus peels, maximizing yield while minimizing the use of enzymes and holding time. This innovative approach enhances sustainability while increasing profitability for juice producers.
Traditionally, extracting juice from citrus peels involves high doses of enzymes and extended incubation times to break down the peel’s tough structure. However, PEF-assisted extraction offers a breakthrough in this process by reducing the need for enzymatic treatments and speeding up the entire process.
How does it work?
The process starts by squeezing the juice from citrus fruits and collecting the peels with the flesh still intact. These peels are then milled down to a maximum size of 8 mm. To prepare for PEF treatment, the peels are diluted with water at ratios of either 1:1 or 1:2, depending on the desired consistency.
The diluted peel mixture undergoes PEF treatment, which helps in breaking down cell walls. Pectinase enzyme is added (10 µl in 400 g paste or 1 ml per 40 kg), and the mixture is incubated at 40°C for an hour.
After incubation, the enzyme is deactivated at 60°C, ensuring optimal extraction without over-processing.
This method has been shown to reduce the enzyme dose and incubation time by half compared to traditional methods while maintaining the quality of the extracted juice.
Applying PEF in the extraction peel juice can be an ideal method for producing high-quality orange peel juice, as well as other citrus peel-based beverages. The resulting juice can be used in a variety of products, from natural juices to flavor concentrates.
PEF-assisted extraction offers several key benefits:
The electrical pulses help break down the peel structure more efficiently, leading to better juice recovery, averaging 7% more juice at half enzyme dose and half incubation time.
Less pectinase is required, which lowers costs and minimizes chemical use.
With reduced enzyme incubation times, juice production becomes faster, improving operational efficiency.
PEF technology is energy-efficient and contributes to waste reduction by maximizing the use of organic materials.
The integration of PEF technology in citrus peel juice extraction represents a significant leap forward for the industry. By improving yield, reducing processing time, and minimizing enzyme use, PEF-assisted extraction enhances both profitability and sustainability. As more producers adopt this technology, we can expect a rise in innovative citrus-based products while reducing food waste and environmental impact.
By harnessing the potential of citrus peel waste, producers can unlock new revenue streams while contributing to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a large-scale juice manufacturer or exploring niche markets, PEF-assisted extraction is a powerful tool to keep in your arsenal.
OptiCepts PEF technology has shown significant improvements across a wide variety of different juices, for example, in ginger, passion fruit, pineapple, blood orange, and more.
The OPTICEPT® LJ7 (Controlled Environment Pulsed Electric Field), is a state-of-the-art PEF system specifically designed for juice extraction and brings distinct advantages to this sector.
The OptiCEPT® LJ7 system enables increased extraction of juice with superior quality juice from fruits, berries, and vegetables.
The treatment is continuous and easy to retrofit into existing extraction lines. The OptiCEPT® system is scalable where an increased number of units will
multiply the flow rate by the same number.
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OptiCept invents, designs, and manufactures smart, sustainable technologies to unleash the full potential of organic material.
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