Pasteurize: meaning, definitions and examples

food preservation

Pasteurize refers to the process of heating a liquid, such as milk or juice, to a specific temperature for a set period in order to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. This method, named after the French scientist Louis Pasteur, is commonly used to ensure food safety and extend shelf life. It is an essential step in the production of various dairy products, juices, and other consumables, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Pasteurization does not sterilize the product, but it helps maintain its quality while making it safe for consumption.

heat, sterilize, treat

Examples of usage

• They pasteurize the milk before packaging it.

• Pasteurized juice is safer to drink than raw juice.

• Many cheeses are made from pasteurized milk.