Behind a refreshing and healthy beverage, there is always an interesting process. That's why we want to share information about flash pasteurization, a technique that maintains the freshness, safety, and flavor of beverages. Read on to find out how this method improves quality and efficiency in your production line.
The Importance of Flash Pasteurization for your Beverages
Producers use the thermal method of flash sterilization to ensure the safety and quality of beverages. This efficient process eliminates harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and yeasts. In addition, it does not compromise the nutritional properties of the product and does not affect the sensory characteristics or the congeners present (Wein Plus, 2021).
After applying high temperatures for a short period, pasteurization inactivates microorganisms. The latter could cause diseases or deteriorate the beverage. However, this method guarantees the safety of the product (Wein Plus, 2021).
Technical Process of Flash Pasteurization in Beverages
The procedure may seem simple, but behind its speed and efficiency is a series of carefully controlled steps. In general, it includes the following steps (BCCDC, 2024):
- Rapid heating. Producers passes the liquid, whether juice, soda, or craft beer, through a heat exchanger. This device rapidly raises the temperature to between 71 and 75 °C.
- Heat maintenance. They keep the mixture at this temperature for a short period, between 15 and 30 seconds. This is sufficient time to eliminate microorganisms without altering their chemical composition.
- Rapid cooling. Producers cool the product immediately after pasteurization, preventing the heat from continuing to affect it. They do this through a system that brings the liquid to safe temperatures, normally around 4 °C, for subsequent bottling or packaging.
- Quality control. This consists of carrying out tests to verify that the microorganisms are within the permitted parameters.
It is important to know that this practice ensures that the beverage maintains its original color, flavor, and texture. This is relevant for products such as smoothies and craft sodas or beers such as cask ale. Natural ingredients should shine without being dulled by aggressive heat treatments (The Food Tech, 2024).
Ensuring the Durability and Quality of the Final Product
Flash pasteurization ensures product safety and contributes to extending shelf life. By eliminating microorganisms, without compromising the structure of the liquid, it can be kept fresh for longer. It should be noted that no artificial preservatives are needed. This is especially important in the production of artisanal beverages, such as infused alcohol. The truth is that, in all cases, consumers are looking for natural, healthy, and high-quality products (HealthLinkBC, 2024).
When customers try several beers in a beer flight, for example, they expect each sample to retain its authentic flavor and freshness. Pasteurization or techniques such as carbonic maceration achieve that goal.
Craft beers using fruit purée benefit greatly from this method, likewise, in the production of smoothies and other non-alcoholic standard drinks. There is no need to resort to artificial additives that could alter their organoleptic profile (CUN, 2023).
In short, this treatment is fast, effective, and sustainable. It also reduces the need for preservatives and allows you to develop more natural and healthier solutions for your distinguished clientele. Remember that the benefit extends to various beer styles.
Flash Pasteurization: The Competitive Advantage you need
In today's market, being able to ensure safety without compromising quality is a plus. Flash pasteurization can become your ally in offering natural, safe, and delicious beverages. In this sense, you need to integrate premium ingredients into your production, such as fruit purée.
Find out more about how to enhance your beverages with natural and high-quality products at Bierfrucht, where you will find the ingredients you need to take your creations to the next level.
Referencias Bibliográficas
BCCDC. (2024). How to Pasteurize Juice and Cider Safely. http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Educational%20Materials/EH/FPS/Fruit%20and%20Veg/DontDrinkItRaw_HowToPasteurizeJuiceAndCiderSafely.pdf
CUN. (2023). Pasteurización. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. https://www.cun.es/diccionario-medico/terminos/pasteurizacion
HealthLinkBC. (2024, August 21). Jugos y sidras de frutas y verduras no pasteurizadas: un riesgo potencial para la salud. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/unpasteurized-fruitvegetable-juices-and-ciders-potential-health-risk
The Food Tech. (2024, April 18). Claves para una pasteurización efectiva y segura en la industria de bebidas. https://thefoodtech.com/seguridad-alimentaria/claves-para-una-pasteurizacion-efectiva-y-segura-en-la-industria-de-bebidas/
Wein Plus. (2021, June 6). Pasteurización flash. https://glossaire.wein.plus/pasteurizacion-flash-2
