Fruit Concentrates are a Great Addition to Many Recipes

A fruit concentrate is fruit that has had its water content removed. The remaining pulp and natural sugars can later be reconstituted with water to deliver 100% juice. Natural fruit concentrates are a great addition to a variety of recipes when used undiluted; adding flavor, consistency and nutrients. Generally speaking, frozen fruit concentrates are usually commercially sold in bulk to the food industry to be used as ingredients for some other finished product. Some refer to smoothie mixes as fruit concentrates as well, mainly because they are usually made of fruit concentrates; nonetheless the differences between different smoothie mixes in terms of ingredients and fruit content can be quite dramatic, and in there lies the difference.

Read Your Labels

Not all fruit concentrates are produced the same. Be wary of fruit concentrates with added sugars or unhealthy ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup. Avoid fruit concentrates with artificial additives such as preservatives, flavors or coloring. Look for labels that boast 100% fruit or 100% juice, and that are listing only natural ingredients. Prefer products that are certified Non-GMO, fat free and Kosher, vegan or gluten free if these are important factors in your diet.

Fruit Concentrate Blends

While some consumers prefer to stick to traditional flavors like strawberry, banana and mango, fruit concentrates manufacturers are always on the mission to deliver new, complex, delicious and exciting flavor profiles. They accomplish that by blending a few fruits and vegetable in one product.  Popular blends are usually berries, tropical fruits, citrus fruits or green fruits and vegetables. One of the healthier innovations, popular with juice bars, health food stores and high end coffee shops, are drinks with added functional ingredients, boosting their nutritional value. The Smartfruit line of fruit concentrates is enhanced with healthy goodies from super fruits and superfoods that deliver powerful antioxidants, immunity or energy boosts, detoxification properties, added fiber, prebiotics and more. Each smartfruit 16 oz. smoothie delivers three fruit servings. Click here to request free samples.

What can you make with Fruit Concentrates

For instant juice, simply add water to fruit concentrates and stir. For a refreshing Italian soda, simply mix with sparkling water and pour over ice. For a little more uplifting drink, mix your favorite fruit concentrate with vodka and strain through ice for a tasty cocktail. A smooth mango concentrate , rich in vitamins A and C, becomes a special dessert when drizzled over ice cream. Berry blends , full of healthy antioxidants, can be added to salad dressings. Tropical fruit blends can be mixed with plain yogurt and topped with granola. Try drizzling your favorite fruit concentrate instead of maple syrup for a fantastic pancake topping with no added sugar.  

Fruit Concentrates make Delicious, Nutritious Smoothies  

By far, the most popular use for fruit concentrates is adding them to smoothies. Fruit smoothies are a delicious and convenient way to boost nutritional servings of fruits and vegetables. You can either prepare a smoothie by blending just the fruit concentrates, and ice or you can add your fruit concentrate to your favorite fresh or frozen fruits.  

Start your recipes with approximately 2-4 ounces of your favorite fruit concentrate in a blender. Add a variety of whole fruits such as:  bananas, mangoes, blueberries, strawberries, kiwis, papaya, and peaches. For creamy consistency, add milk, almond milk or coconut water. Boost the smoothie’s health benefits by adding natural yogurt, a scoop of peanut butter, or a handful of spinach or kale. For extra Omega-3 fatty acids, sprinkle in hemp, flax or chia seeds. For a yummy fruit shake add ice cream or frozen yogurt. A sprig of mint is a refreshing addition. A ripe avocado makes for an extra creamy consistency. 100% natural fruit concentrate is a versatile and tasty addition to many recipes. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.