PURPOSE: To reduce a loss in soluble solid substances contained in a fruit juice, etc., using simple operation and concentrate the fruit juice, etc., by previously removing suspended solid substances of the juice, etc., freezing the resultant juice, etc., then crushing the frozen substances, separating an amorphous part with a specific separator and concentrating the resultant amorphous part.
CONSTITUTION: Suspended solid substances such as pulpy substances contained in a juice or extract solution of natural fruits or vegetables are previously removed or reduced to regulate the content thereof within the range of 0-5%. The resultant regulated juice, etc., are then filled in a container so as to provide ≥20cm thickness of a block after freezing and allowed to stand in a refrigerator at -10 to -25°C. Frozen substances are taken out after 1-7 days, crushed and directly separated into an amorphous part and an ice crystal part with a bottom discharging basket type centrifugal separator to afford a concentrate from the amorphous part. Furthermore, the aforementioned crushing is preferably carried out by rotating a rotating drum having many protrusion-like blades provided in the interior of a tilted drum having a double-wall structure capable of passing steam therethrough.
MATSUMOTO TAKAHARU
MURAKAMI AKIRA
