HPP (High Pressure Pasteurization) Sucks!
"Hello, beautiful world! Pasteurized and pressurized juice often tastes awful, as expected from a non-fresh product. The difference between fresh orange juice and store-bought, pasteurized juice is like night and day! Supermarkets and large juice chains must pasteurize their products for multiple reasons: to extend shelf life, kill potential foodborne pathogens, reduce waste, and maximize profits. However, this process compromises the flavor, eliminates probiotic activity, and allows the juice to sit on shelves for weeks. The discerning guest at GoodSugar refuses to accept the compromise of pure products for the sake of shareholders in the juice industry. The founder, an honorable and juice-passionate individual, prioritizes human health over personal gain, believing that by doing so consistently, purity and taste will triumph over profits and material gains." —Marcus Antebi
Full Story: Pasteurization and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) pose notable concerns in the marketing of health foods, especially those containing produce.
Let's delve into Pasteurization. Federal law mandates juice companies to pasteurize their products before selling them wholesale. There are two primary methods: heat pasteurization, akin to milk pasteurization, and High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP), which subjects products to high isostatic pressure transmitted by water. Both methods aim to extend product shelf life.
Unfortunately, pasteurization significantly diminishes nutritional quality and imparts an unpleasant taste. Our familiarity with pasteurized products has dulled our appreciation for the delectable and satisfying flavors of fresh juices and smoothies.
However, single-store companies, like mine, are not obliged to pasteurize our products. While non-pasteurized items boast wonderful taste, they have a short shelf life. A taste test comparing supermarket or chain juices and smoothies with ours will reveal a noticeably brighter and fuller taste in the latter.
Chemical composition also undergoes alteration during pasteurization, affecting the nutrient values of vitamins and other compounds. Pasteurized juice is less nutrient-dense, and its enzymes become denatured. Furthermore, while pasteurization may eradicate harmful bacteria in produce, it also eliminates probiotics—beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
Clearly, pasteurized products fall short compared to their non-pasteurized counterparts. I believe that pasteurization primarily benefits product manufacturers, offering extended shelf life and reduced waste.
The primary reason for mandatory pasteurization is the potential presence of harmful bacteria in some produce. Hence, the government enforces pasteurization as a measure to protect the public. However, the risk of pathogens in fresh produce, particularly in the US and other developed countries, is extremely low.
If fear of bacteria in fresh produce haunts you, consider the logical conclusion: avoiding raw salads, apples, or uncooked leafy greens altogether. Washing produce cannot fully eliminate potentially harmful pathogens—only cooking can achieve that.
I harbor doubts about the FDA's extensive knowledge of nutrition science, as their focus primarily revolves around enforcing regulations. If given the opportunity, they would advocate for all produce to be cooked, depriving us of the benefits of fresh raw produce. The FDA's regulatory efforts predominantly center on the health and wellness industry, neglecting sectors that pose harm.
It is worth reiterating that companies employing pressurization to extend juice shelf life inevitably create inferior products. The taste of juices and smoothies pales in comparison to the vibrant flavors of fresh juice, similar to how wine improves with age—unlike juice.
Unpasteurized, freshly made juice reigns supreme. It is only a matter of time before all juice makers recognize the true essence of juice and cease providing subpar products. Fresh juice is just that—fresh juice—while pasteurized juice is far from satisfactory. Compare goodsugar juices to supermarket counterparts, and I encourage you to seek a refund from your supermarket and experience the genuine delight of goodsugar's real juice.
GMOs are a Sh*tty Thing in This Universe: Regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), I hold a moderate standpoint. GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated through genetic engineering in a laboratory.
In agriculture, genetic engineering can enhance crop yields, provide resistance to pests and diseases, and contribute to global food security amidst a growing population. However, it can also have detrimental effects on soil health, crop diversity, and the vital animal and insect life within ecosystems.
I have faith in the progress achieved through scientific advancements. Yet, not all scientific developments have resulted in the betterment of humanity, and scientific knowledge is subject to change.
If corporations could be trusted to prioritize the well-being of humanity and the planet, GMOs could represent a positive step forward. Unfortunately, I harbor distrust towards certain individuals who prioritize monetary gain without considering the environmental impact.
Due to the existence of such individuals, we cannot simply grant corporations the authority to determine the fate of our health and the planet. We cannot rely on most corporations to appropriately monitor and regulate GMO development and distribution in a manner that serves our best interests.
That being said, the use of GMOs can be compassionate if handled correctly. As the most intelligent species, we have a responsibility to live in accordance with the laws of nature. Overpopulation is an issue we should not have faced, but we find ourselves in this situation. GMOs can help alleviate starvation and mitigate problems we have brought upon ourselves.
Ideally, we would not have placed ourselves in a position where GMOs are necessary to solve our problems. However, considering the circumstances, GMOs likely have a role to play. Future generations must remain vigilant. Many endeavors initiated in the name of science and progress have initially benefited society but later succumbed to excessive financial gain by a few at the expense of the whole.
We must learn from past lessons, examine human nature and its propensity for corruption and greed, and carefully evaluate potential solutions. Transparency should be demanded from profit-driven corporations and government regulatory bodies. We must not allow those who profit billions from our food consumption to compromise our health and safety.
Nevertheless, there might come a time when genetic modification becomes essential for the survival of the human species. Our destructive tendencies as a species rapidly push organisms into extinction.
Fortunately, in my store, I am fortunate to use non-GMO produce. All the fruits and vegetables we utilize in our juices and products are non-GMO. However, non-GMO produce may become scarce in the future. I hope you enjoy the products I offer and encourage you to educate yourself about GMO usage over time.
