Insider Guide: The Short but Sweet Story of Fresh-n-Healthy Traditional Indian Beverages and Juices

The word Beverage can be used to refer to a wide variety of liquids which are drunk by humans. They can be either alcoholic or non alcoholic, depending on the requirement and the role of the drink. Several fruit juices have lately become a part of India’s culture, mainly due to their popularity among the western countries. Many drinks are consumed for health reasons, though they have been associated with social conventions since ancient times. Some beverages like Champagne are reserved for specific occasions, whereas milk and tea are taken casually, according to a person’s choice. Yet other Beverages like Mango Panna and Rasam are a part of a particular region’s cultural identity.

Initially juices had to be prepared fresh every time before consumption since their storage posed the problem of fermentation, ie. They got converted into alcohol if stored for long. This might have been the reason that the first fruit juice which was regularly produced was lemonade, which can be prepared easily, without much hassle and in a short period of time. Eventually a dentist, named Thomas B. Welch, developed a method which prevented the fermentation of juice, allowing it to be stored for longer periods of time. His method involved filtering squeezed grape juice into bottles, sealing them with cork and wax, and then placing them in boiling water. This method kills the yeast responsible for fermentation.

The process involving the commercial production of juice includes washing and sorting, juice extraction, straining, filtration and clarification, blending, pasteurization, filling, sealing, sterilization, cooling, labeling and packing. After picking and washing them, the juice is extracted and about two thirds of the water is removed. The water may be added later or it can be packaged in the concentrated state, allowing the consumer to add water to the concentrated juice according to their requirement. Juices are then pasteurized and filled into containers, often while still hot. If the juice is poured into a container while hot, it is cooled as quickly as possible. Packages that cannot stand heat require sterile conditions for filling. Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide can be used to sterilize containers. A common problem which the consumers face nowadays is that companies, in order to save money, dilute their wares with cheaper juices like white grape, apple or pear. Sometimes heavy processing and addition of preservatives depreciate its quality and health benefits.

To cater to the demands of customers who are unwilling to compromise with quality, companies like JustPressed focus on providing their customers with 100 percent pure fruit juice. Other companies like PaperBoat tend to focus on the cultural heritage of India and the drinks which have been a part of the growing up experience of most Indians. Getting hold of these delightful drinks isn’t as difficult as it used to be earlier, thanks to websites like FoodFeasta , through which customers can order online and the goods can be delivered directly to their homes.

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