WHAT IS IQF CALAMANSI JUICE? WHAT IS FROZEN CALAMANSI JUICE USED FOR?

IQF calamansi juice is an optimal solution for the food processing industry thanks to its ability to preserve original flavor and nutritional value. With advanced freezing technology, frozen calamansi juice becomes a convenient, safe, and versatile option for various uses. It is also a rising trend in the frozen fruit market, especially as consumers increasingly prioritize fresh, clean, and convenient products.

The Difference Between IQF Calamansi Juice and Regular Calamansi Juice

Criteria	Regular Calamansi Juice	IQF Calamansi Juice
Storage Method	Short-term, requires cool temperature	Long-term (6–12 months), stored frozen
Nutritional Quality	Easily degraded due to oxidation	Preserves vitamins and minerals, reduces free radical formation
Flavor Stability	Changes quickly after a few days	Stable flavor, naturally fragrant
Industrial Application	Limited due to short freshness	Suitable for large-scale production

Outstanding Advantages of IQF Frozen Calamansi Juice

• Preserves full nutritional value (especially vitamin C and antioxidants)
• Convenient for storage, transportation, and use
• No need for additives or preservatives
• Aligns with the trend toward clean and safe ingredients

Production Process of IQF Frozen Calamansi Juice

To produce IQF calamansi juice with a fresh taste, high nutritional value, and compliance with international export standards, Hung Hau Foods applies a strict production process—from selecting raw materials to quick freezing the final product. Every step is closely monitored to ensure consistent quality, food safety, and the optimal natural flavor of calamansi.

Only calamansi fruits that meet the required standards—fresh, pest-free, and harvested at the right ripeness—are selected for processing. This is the key factor that determines the quality of IQF frozen calamansi juice.

1. Selection of Raw Materials

Only high-quality calamansi fruits are chosen, based on the following criteria:

• Fresh fruits with uniform color, no bruising or damage
• Free from pests and pesticide residues
• Harvested at the ideal physiological ripeness to retain the highest levels of essential oils and vitamin C

2. Cleaning and Sorting

After harvesting, calamansi (tắc) fruits are washed with clean water to remove dirt, bacteria, and surface impurities. They are then sorted by size and any substandard fruits are discarded.

3. Peeling and Juice Extraction

The fruits are passed through a cutting machine to remove the peel if necessary (depending on the intended product—some processes may retain the peel to extract essential oil). The fruit is then pressed using industrial juicers, ensuring:

• Optimal juice extraction
• Preservation of the fruit’s natural flavor and nutrients
• Minimal oxidation and reduced bitterness from peel oils

4. Filtration and Adjustment

The extracted juice is subjected to coarse and fine filtration to remove pulp, seeds, and unwanted residues. Microbial counts, pH levels, and Brix values are checked to ensure product quality.

5. Individual Quick Freezing (IQF)

After sterilization, the juice undergoes Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) at temperatures from -35°C to -40°C. The rapid freezing process helps retain the juice’s natural color, flavor, and nutritional content.

6. Packaging and Storage

The frozen juice is packed in specialized food-grade containers (either blocks or cold-resistant plastic bottles) and labeled accordingly. It is stored at temperatures of -18°C or below to maintain quality throughout storage and transportation.

IQF Freezing Process – Preserving Full Nutrition and Flavor

After extraction, calamansi juice is rapidly frozen using IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) technology in a very short time. This process prevents the formation of large ice crystals, helping to retain the juice’s natural texture and flavor.

Located in the heart of the key agricultural region of Đồng Tháp, HFV (Hung Hau Foods – Fruits & Vegetables) is one of the pioneering enterprises in Vietnam specializing in the production and processing of high-quality frozen fruits and vegetables.

With a total area of 14,000 square meters and modern production lines, HFV supplies both domestic and international markets with products such as:

• Frozen vegetables
• Frozen fruits
• Frozen juices

Among them, IQF calamansi juice stands out as one of our signature products thanks to its natural flavor, bright color, and preserved nutritional value.

At HFV, we believe that product quality starts with raw materials. Therefore, all inputs used in our production process are:

• Carefully selected from farms that meet proper cultivation standards
• Rigorously tested for food safety before entering the production line

After initial processing, the products undergo a state-of-the-art freezing process using IQF technology—the world’s leading food preservation method today.

IQF Technology – The Secret to Ultimate Freshness

HFV is equipped with high-speed IQF systems that allow:

• Rapid freezing at deep temperatures ranging from -35°C to -40°C within just a few minutes
• Full preservation of each product’s color, flavor, and nutritional content
• Prevention of clumping, water separation, or texture loss after thawing

This cutting-edge technology is widely used in leading global factories, and HFV is proud to be one of the earliest adopters of this international-standard system in Vietnam.

Hung Hau Foods – Trusted Supplier of IQF Calamansi Juice

Hung Hau Foods is one of the pioneers in Vietnam applying IQF technology to fruit juice processing. With a modern factory certified to HACCP, ISO 22000, and BRC standards, Hung Hau is committed to delivering high-quality, safe IQF calamansi juice that meets international export requirements.

Hung Hau’s IQF calamansi juice—and frozen agricultural products in general—have been exported to over 40 countries worldwide, earning the trust of partners in the global food, beverage, and F&B service industries.

Real-World Applications of IQF Calamansi Juice

With its tangy flavor and distinctive aroma, IQF calamansi juice is a favorite ingredient in a variety of beverages, including:

• Calamansi tea & calamansi soda– a refreshing balance of citrusy sourness and subtle sweetness
• Cocktails & mocktails– like Calamansi Mojito or Calamansi Fizz, blended with spirits or soda
• Detox drinks, kombucha, and fermented juices– adding freshness and beneficial probiotics

Notable Brands Using Calamansi Juice

Below are some standout brands incorporating calamansi juice into their beverage products, reflecting the growing popularity of this citrus fruit:

• Sanzo (USA):Sparkling water with calamansi flavor, sugar-free, available in over 2,000 stores including Whole Foods
• Nomsi (USA):Specializes in calamansi-based beverages for cocktails, marinades, and desserts
• Vinut (Vietnam/Philippines):Offers pure calamansi juice and blends like “Sugarcane & Calamansi” for a unique taste
• Nawon (Vietnam):Produces 330ml NFC Calamansi Juice Drink, certified BRC, FDA, HACCP, HALAL, USDA Organic, and EU Organic
• Rita (Vietnam):350ml “Calamansi Juice Drink” with a light citrus aroma and a flavor profile between lemon and mandarin
• Philippine Brand:Canned and bottled calamansi juice (from the Philippines), with about 8% calamansi juice, pasteurized, and preservative-free

An Ideal Ingredient for Packaged Food Processing

IQF calamansi juice is not only popular in the beverage industry but also serves as an ideal ingredient for packaged food processing, thanks to its naturally tangy flavor, vibrant color, and rich vitamin C content.

Key Applications:

• Calamansi Sauce Production:Used as a dipping sauce for seafood, fried chicken, salads, and mixed noodles. It serves as a flavorful lemon alternative with a signature citrus taste.
• Natural Seasoning:Ideal for liquid, semi-liquid, or frozen seasoning lines, enhancing flavor and stimulating appetite.
• Jelly, Jam, and Baked Goods:A sweet-and-sour fruit filling for cookies, mooncakes, gummies, and jelly desserts.
• Convenient Packaged Products:Packed in small sachets for use in industrial meals, airline catering, and restaurants.

Ingredient for Functional Food Industry

IQF calamansi juice is not only a food ingredient but also highly effective in functional food applications, thanks to its:

• High vitamin C content, which naturally boosts immunity
• Rich in flavonoids and essential oils, supporting detoxification, digestion, and antioxidant activity

Common product applications include:

• Effervescent tablets and instant vitamin C powder
• Energy bars, nutritional snacks, and wellness beverages
• Immune-supporting food products for the elderly and children

Benefits of Using IQF Calamansi Juice in HORECA (Hotels – Restaurants – Catering)

• Time-saving preparation:No need for washing, slicing, or squeezing
• Year-round availability:Stable supply with no seasonal limitations
• Consistent quality:Uniform taste and easy quality control
• Optimized operations:Reduced waste and labor costs
• Convenient storage:IQF frozen, preservative-free, and portionable as needed

The Rising Trend of Frozen Fruit in Export and Domestic Consumption

The growth of the frozen food industry and increasing demand for convenient ingredients are fueling the market for frozen fruits. IQF calamansi juice is emerging as a strategic choice, with strong potential across the beverage industry, functional food manufacturing, mixology, and HORECA sectors.

Importers are increasingly favoring frozen calamansi juice from tropical countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

IQF calamansi juice is not only a smart preservation solution but also an inevitable trend in the modern food industry. It helps businesses streamline production, maintain consistent quality, and expand their export potential.

👉 Contact Hung Hau Foods today to explore and elevate the value of this high-value-added food ingredient.