The present invention is drawn to inhibiting browning of raw fruit juice and/or raw vegetable juice. The juice is treated with at least one sulfated polysaccharide in an amount sufficient to inhibit browning. A promoter may also be present, which promoter is selected from the group consisting of chelating agents, acidulents, or mixtures thereof.

A method and system for enhancing the flavor of a fruit juice and a fruit juice made according to these methods. Additionally, the methods may be used to produce a shelf-stable fruit juice that is capable of being stored in non-refrigerated conditions for extended periods of time without the development of off-flavors. The methods comprise passing the fruit juice through an adsorbent resin which substantially reduces the off-flavor compounds and/or the precursors of off-flavors thereby making a juice which tastes better immediately. Additionally, since substantial amount of the precursors are removed, the off-flavors will not develop, thereby allowing the juice to be stored under non-refrigerated conditions for one or more months without significant degradation of the flavor of the juice.

A process for treating and storing freshly cut pineapple greatly enhances flavor and increases shelf life of the cut pineapple, maintaining the enhanced flavor. The freshly cut pineapple is first surface-disinfected. Its Brix and acid, and thus Brix/acid ratio, are measured or estimated. Then selection is made from batches of previously stored pineapple juice, which may be from a different season or different part of the same season. The juice is selected to have a Brix/acid ratio which counterbalances that of the fresh fruit, so that the combined fruit/juice has a Brix/acid ratio of around 19, or preferably in the range of about 16 to 23. The previously stored juice is from prior pineapple crops, varying from batch to batch in Brix/acid ratio, filtered and pasteurized, then frozen or maintained near freezing. The freshly cut fruit, preferably chilled to just above freezing, is immersed in the selected juice, which may be a blend of several batches, and is stored and shipped preferably close to freezing. The resulting fruit has a long shelf life and exhibits a very fresh and balanced flavor.

A process for treating and storing freshly cut pineapple greatly enhances flavor and increases shelf life. The freshly cut pineapple is first surface-disinfected. Its Brix and acid, and thus Brix/acid ratio, are measured or estimated. Then selection is made from batches of previously stored juice or other liquid medium, which may be pineapple juice from a different season or different part of the same season, or which may be white grape juice, acidified high fructose corn syrup, or blends. The juice or medium is selected to have a Brix/acid ratio which counterbalances that of the fresh fruit, so that the combined fruit/juice has a Brix/acid ratio of around 19. The cut pinapple, preferably chilled to just above freezing, is immersed in the selected juice and is stored and shipped, preferably close to freezing.

The invention pertains to the formulation and process for producing a universal fruit base, which is an apple mash-polysaccharide mixture to which fruit puree(s) and optionally concentrated fruit juice(s) are to be added to form beverage concentrates. The beverage concentrates are to be diluted with water and/or fruit juice(s) to create supreme, distinctive, refreshing, healthy, creamy, smooth, thick, non-gummy and non-settling fruit beverages (smoothies). The resulting beverages possess hydrated cellular particulates, which are stabilized by modified starch and xanthan gum and thus sedimentation of particulates does not occur during the storage of the resulting beverages. Homogenization is not required for particulate stabilization. Pasteurization and sterilization of the resulting beverages can be carried out without the loss of textural and flavour quality attributes and without particulate destabilization and sedimentation. A wide variety of ingredients such as protein foods, coffee, tea, cocoa, nutrients, natural and artificial flavours, sweeteners and botanicals may be added for flavour, nutritional and health appeal.