A system and process for making a low-acid, single strength juice such as
a not from concentrate (NFC) citrus juice are provided in which an
initial single strength juice flow can be cooled to a temperature of not
greater than about 45.degree. F. and maintained at that temperature or
below throughout the process (except during pasteurization). From the
initial juice flow, a first portion of the juice is diverted from a
second portion of the juice. Suspended solids are separated out from the
first portion to provide a solids-reduced juice. The solids-reduced juice
is subjected to ion-exchange deacidification. Preferably, a portion of
the initial single strength juice flow is added to the deacidified juice
immediately after deacidification in order to immediately lower the pH of
the deacidified juice to a value that discourages microbial activity.