What is the Difference Between Pulp and Puree

The main difference between pulp and puree is that pulp is extracted from raw fruits and vegetables, whereas puree is made using cooked food, especially fruits, and vegetables.

Pulp and puree are two types of food we make with fruits and vegetables. Although both pulp and puree are pastes, there are several differences between pulp and puree.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Pulp 
     – Definition, Features, Preparation 
2. What is Puree
     – Definition, Features, Preparation 
3. Similarities Between Pulp and Puree
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Pulp and Puree
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Pulp, Puree, Fruit Pulp

Difference Between Pulp and Puree - Comparison Summary

What is Pulp

Pulp refers to the extracted material obtained by pressing or extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. This pulp can be stored in different forms, such as powder or liquid, depending on the storage conditions. In its liquid form, the pulp is useful as a brine, syrup, or water substitute. Due to high customer demand, the frozen pulp is also popular in the market.

The use of pulp helps to reduce food waste. Due to the challenges of storing fruits and vegetables, farmers often lose a significant amount of harvest. However, processing these foods into pulp can help to alleviate this issue while also reducing the space required for storage. By reducing the size of the product, we can store the pulp in a more compact manner and transport it at a lower cost than transporting whole fruits.

Pulp vs Puree

People use fruit pulp to make different products like jam, sweets, beverages, marmalade, and flavoring agents. The color of the pulp can change depending on the fruit and the ripening age. Generally, it has the color of fruit peel. The pulp extraction process contains different steps, such as raw material reception, storing and grading for preselection, washing and sanitization, raw material maturation, and pulp processing. In order to produce quality pulp, it is important to properly wash and sanitize fresh fruits.

What is Puree

Puree is typically made from cooked vegetables, fruits, and legumes that are crushed or pressed to create a smooth texture. Cooks generally blend and strain the resulting paste to produce a creamy liquid. Depending on the thickness, purees may resemble thick soups, creams, or gravies. People often use the word “paste” interchangeably with puree.

Purees are typically made using a blender, though potato mashers and strainers may also be used. It is generally necessary to cook the food before making a puree. We usually serve purees to babies, toddlers, and individuals who have difficulty chewing solid foods.

Compare Pulp and Puree - What's the difference?

Besides, people commonly use vegetable purees to thicken soups or serve them as a side dish. Tomato puree often acts as a base for spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce. Meanwhile, people frequently use fruit purees in desserts such as mousses, cake fillings, and fruit bars. These purees are also rich in minerals and beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants that can boost the immune system. It’s worth noting that fruit purees tend to be more calorie-dense than whole fruits since they are more concentrated.

Similarities Between Pulp and Puree

  • Both pulp and puree are pastes.
  • They originate from fruits and vegetables.
  • Both pulp and puree help to preserve foods.
  • They act as a base to make other food items.

Difference Between Pulp and Puree

Definition

Pulp refers to the fibrous material that remains after processing fruits and vegetables, such as through extraction or pressing. Puree, on the other hand, is a type of food made by blending or pressing vegetables, fruits, or legumes into a smooth and creamy consistency.

Manufacturing Process

Although purees are made from cooked food, the pulp is made using the raw extraction of fruits and vegetables.

Consistency

Puree has a smoother and more uniform texture, while the pulp is more fibrous and may contain small pieces of the original food.

Usage

While fruit pulps are useful in making jam, sweets, marmalade, and beverages, fruit puree can help to make desserts like mousses.

Consumers

Without an age limit, anyone can consume the pulps, whereas purees are ideal for babies, toddlers, and people who cannot chew.

Conclusion

The main difference between pulp and puree is that pulp is extracted from raw fruits and vegetables, whereas puree is made using cooked food, especially with fruits and vegetables.

Reference:

1. “Introduction to Fruit Pulp Processing Industry.” PMG Engineering.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Homemade apple purée by Lenka” By Lenka Zimkova – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Sweet, summer, food, fruit, nature, red, watermelon, petal” (CC0) via Pexels

About the Author: Gerandielle

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