The pulp is the edible part of the fruit, that is, the one that has no seeds or skin, even tho there are some exceptions like kumquats, where their skin is sweet. The pulp is also known as the “flesh” of the fruit, and some people use it to prepare desserts; that’s why it is essential to understand how the fruit’s pulp is preserved?
The primary method of preserving the fruit’s pulp is to keep it frozen. This way, it can remain in good condition for 30 days if the pulp is homemade, but if it is commercial, it can last one year.
To know how to preserve the fruit pulp, you have to read on.
Preserve the pulp of the fruit
Fruit pulp is a product widely used as a substitute for natural fruit, especially when preparing natural juices, ice creams, or cakes. You can extract the fruit pulp at home or buy it frozen in the supermarket.
Many people consider that commercial fruit pulp cannot be considered a 100% natural product due to the preservatives added in its manufacture, which is why it lasts much longer.
Ideally, you want to store the fruit pulp frozen. Thus all the nutritional contributions of the fruit will remain practically intact.
If the fruit pulp has been refrigerated, it will considerably reduce the shelf life.
Preserve homemade fruit pulp
You can keep homemade fruit pulp in two ways; the first option is to refrigerate it, but you should consume it as soon as possible; the second is to freeze it, a safer method, especially if you want to keep it for a long time.
Keep the fruit pulp in the fridge
Storing the fruit pulp in the fridge is only possible if you know you will use it soon, which is in 3 to 5 days.
To store the pulp of the fruit in the refrigerator, you should do the following:
- Step 1: Blend the pulp of the fruit.
You can add water to blend the fruit better. You can also add lemon juice to prevent the pulp from darkening due to the natural oxidation of the fruit.
- Step 2: Transfer the pulp to an airtight container.
After all the pulp fruit has been extracted and liquefied, transfer the contents to an airtight container, preferably made of glass.
- Step 3: Store in the fridge.
Place the container at the bottom of the fridge, where the temperature is much more stable. Thus, you can keep the fruit pulp in good condition for 3 or 5 days.
How to freeze fruit pulp
For many, the ideal method to preserve fruit pulp is freezing since the freezer’s low temperatures reduce the fruit’s chemical reactions. Therefore, the natural process of decomposition becomes extremely slow.
Therefore, frozen foods usually last much longer. To freeze the fruit pulp, you have to follow these instructions:
- Step 1: Blend the pulp of the fruit.
Add a bit of water to make it liquefy better. If you add ascorbic acid, it will help to preserve the fruit better and prevent it from oxidizing, or you can also squeeze a lemon or use citric acid.
- Step 2: Transfer the contents to an airtight bag.
The bag must be suitable for the freezer and should not be filled entirely since when freezing, the contents expand. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Also, depending on the amount of pulp, you may consider separating it into portions.
- Step 3: Enter the storage date.
This way, you will know how long the frozen pulp takes.
- Step 4: Save to the freezer.
Following all these steps may freeze the fruit pulp for 30 days. Keep in mind that when thawed, you can not refreeze the pulp. [1]
For this reason, it is advisable to divide the fruit’s pulp in case of a large amount. Then, you can keep the thawed fruit pulp in the fridge for three more days.
Preserve commercial fruit pulp
The commercial fruit’s pulp is easy to get in the supermarket’s frozen section. They come in vacuum-sealed bags. So one of the main tips when buying one is to check the condition of the packaging.
You should not buy those fruit pulps with broken packaging. Also, it is advisable not to take the packaging with frozen fruit pulp until you are about to pay so as not to break the cold chain.
In addition, for this type of product, it is always advisable to use a thermal bag that helps maintain its state. Or failing that, put it in a plastic bag and close it very well.
You put the fruit pulp packaging directly into the freezer when you get home. Commercial fruit pulp can be frozen for an entire year if sealed. Once opened, it can remain frozen for about six months.
How to know if the fruit pulp is spoiled?
The fruit pulp is in poor condition if it has a bad smell, such as rancid or rotten, and tastes terrible.
If fruit pulp develops mold, you should discard it. To know if it has mold, check if it has black, green, or white spots.
How long does the fruit pulp last?
| Product | Duration |
| Homemade fruit pulp in the fridge | 3 – 5 days |
| Homemade fruit pulp in the freezer | 30 days |
| Commercial fruit pulp in the freezer (unopened) | 1 year |
| Commercial fruit pulp in the freezer (opened) | 6 months |
What is the best way to preserve the pulp of the fruit?
There is no doubt that fruit pulp, both homemade and commercial, is better kept if stored in the freezer because it is the ideal environment to slow down the chemical decomposition processes of all foods.
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[1] https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/nx4JCszkBK7yrcLcsd3L4SD/?format=pdf&lang=en