ISHS Acta Horticulturae 464: International Postharvest Science Conference Postharvest 96
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT FIRMNESS TEST METHODS IN FRUITS |
| Authors: | N. Galili, J. De Baerdemaeker, E. Verstreken |
| Abstract:
Impulse excitation and analysis of fruit vibrations is becoming an accepted method for testing internal properties of the product. Two acoustic methods for non-destructive firmness evaluation of fruits and vegetables are described. Both time and frequency domains of fruit response are analysed. An acoustic firmness index, based on fruit mass and its vibration characteristics, is compared with conventional destructive tests of fruit firmness. Examples of use of the methods in quality evaluation and prediction of shelf-life of apples and tomatoes are presented. Acoustic measurements were found to be fast and repeatable, and followed well the ripening process of the fruits. Reasonably good correlation was found between acoustic firmness and conventional compression and penetration destructive tests. Because of its simple and fast operation, the method can be applied for quality control and on-line sorting of agricultural products. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
