Apple juice is often the first recommended juice for babies, thanks to its sweet taste and the important antioxidants and vitamins it contains. Made by pressing apples, filtering the juice, and then pasteurizing it for longer shelf life, apple juice is almost always produced commercially and is one of the most widely consumed fruit juices globally.
The leading producers of apple juice are the United States and China, where, unlike apple cider, apple juice is produced in commercial factories with large, heavy equipment. Apple cider, on the other hand, is typically produced by small farms or mom-and-pop businesses. In the United States, apples are hand-picked in the fall, and only mature apples are sent for processing, as apples harvested too early can taste sour or starchy. Most apples used in commercially produced apple juice are unfit for sale in supermarkets due to blemishes. However, any moldy or decayed apples are discarded by inspectors as they enter the production facility. The good apples are soaked for thirty to forty minutes, scrubbed, rinsed, and then sent to the pressing machine. This large machine crushes and squeezes the apples to extract as much juice as possible. The juice is then filtered and pasteurized. An inspector examines the juice, and once it passes the examination, it is poured into cartons and bottles, ready to be sent to stores. Apple juice concentrate can also be made by evaporating the freshly squeezed juice. The resulting evaporated concentrate is less costly to ship, smaller in volume, and has a longer shelf life.
Types of Apple Juice Concentrate
Two different types of apple juice concentrate are made: cloudy and clear. To make clear apple juice concentrate, pectin and starch are removed, which is preferred by retailers because of its longer shelf life. Many manufacturers opt to produce the clear variety, believing consumers favor its more attractive appearance. However, recent research has found that cloudy juice, which contains pulp particles, is healthier due to its higher antioxidant content. In a study of four different apple juices, the cloudy juice was much more effective at attacking and binding free radicals (free radicals damage the body and cause disease). Cloudy juice held approximately four times the amount of polyphenols (antioxidant plant compounds) than the clear juice, which loses these antioxidants during its clarification and filtration process.
Though cloudy apple juice outperforms clear juice in antioxidant levels, both types contain phytonutrients and flavonoids that improve overall health and can reduce the risk of certain diseases. Phytonutrients and flavonoids, which are found in fruits and vegetables, continue to show positive effects on the human body through ongoing research. Studies on asthma have shown that individuals with asthma who drink apple juice have a lower risk of respiratory diseases and better lung function compared to those who do not consume apples or apple juice. Another study found a decreased incidence of lung cancer in individuals who consumed apple products. Additionally, the phytonutrients in apple juice help prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol, which leads to plaque buildup in arteries and inhibits cardiovascular function, ultimately leading to heart disease. In fact, drinking apple juice with a hamburger can help protect your body from the harmful fats in the burger!
Apple juice also provides sugars and fluids to the body, and its sweet taste makes it appealing to children. A serving of 100% apple juice (4-6 ounces) is considered a fruit exchange according to USDA guidelines, contributing to daily fruit intake. Apple juice is also very unlikely to cause allergic reactions and is easily digested, which is likely why pediatricians recommend it as a first juice for infants.
Versatile and commonly used as a base for other fruit drinks, apple juice can be served in a variety of ways. It can be heated and spiced, mixed with other fruit juices and served chilled as punch, or even frozen into fruit pops. Apple juice is low in calories and sodium, and contains no fat.
Instead of drinking soda with your meal (or allowing your child to drink soda with their meal), choose apple juice. It’s an appropriate beverage for both children and adults, providing essential antioxidants and nutrients with a universally appealing sweet flavor. For the greatest health benefits, opt for a 100% apple juice product and choose the cloudy variety. Though often overlooked, the health benefits of apples and apple products are significant and provide a wonderful source of nutrition for the whole family.
