A citrus juice processing line is a specialized production system designed to efficiently extract, process, and package juice from various citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. With the rising global demand for high-quality, natural juices, citrus processing lines play a vital role in ensuring consistency, hygiene, and scalability in juice production.
What Is a Citrus Juice Processing Line?
This type of production line integrates multiple stages of citrus fruit processing—from fresh fruit reception to juice extraction, oil separation, clarification, pasteurization, and final filling. Designed for both NFC (Not-From-Concentrate) and concentrated juice production, citrus processing lines help manufacturers achieve superior juice yield and quality.
Key Processes in Citrus Juice Production
- Fruit Washing and Grading
Citrus fruits are first cleaned using brush washers and bubble washers to remove dirt, pesticides, and residues. Grading systems then sort the fruits by size and quality. - Juice Extraction and Oil Separation
Specialized citrus extractors gently press the fruit to maximize juice yield while minimizing bitterness from the peel. Cold-pressed oil extractors also collect valuable citrus essential oils from the peel. - Juice Screening and Clarification
The extracted juice is filtered to remove pulp and seed particles. Clarification equipment such as decanters or enzymatic treatment helps improve clarity and texture. - Pasteurization and Homogenization
Heat treatment eliminates microbes while preserving flavor and nutrients. Homogenizers improve juice consistency, especially for cloudy or pulp-rich juices. - Aseptic Filling and Packaging
Depending on the product type (NFC or concentrate), the juice is hot-filled or aseptically packed into PET bottles, glass bottles, cartons, or drums.
Products That Can Be Produced
- NFC Citrus Juice – 100% natural, no sugar or additives, popular in premium markets.
- Concentrated Citrus Juice – Suitable for reconstitution and export.
- Citrus Blends – Mixed with other fruit or vegetable juices.
- Essential Oils and Peel Extracts – Valuable by-products for cosmetics and food flavoring.
Advantages of KAAE Citrus Juice Processing Lines
- High Juice Yield – Optimized extraction for minimal waste.
- Customizable Layouts – Suitable for small-scale plants or industrial-scale factories.
- Food-Grade Materials – Stainless steel construction ensures hygiene and durability.
- Energy Efficiency – Modern pasteurization and CIP systems reduce consumption.
- Multi-Fruit Capability – One line can process oranges, lemons, mandarins, and more.
Applications
Citrus juice processing lines are widely used by:
- Juice manufacturers targeting local and export markets
- Agricultural cooperatives and fruit farms
- Beverage brands producing bottled juice and concentrates
- Essential oil processors leveraging citrus by-products
A citrus juice processing line is an essential asset for any business aiming to enter or expand in the natural juice industry. With automation, precise control, and flexibility, it delivers high-quality citrus products that meet global food safety and market standards.