Articles
What Is the Best Plum Harvest Maturity Index?
Taste or sugar/acidity ratio is the plums’ most reliable harvest maturity index. A new plum harvest maturity indicator has been developed that combines firmness at maximum maturity with sugar content. No single quality parameter can be used alone as a harvest maturity index for plums. Plum Characteristics Plums, which are classified as climacteric fruits, have… Continue reading…

Additional reading
Five Significant Research Findings on Fruit Quality Management in 2024
Fruit quality studies in 2024 aim to future-proof food production against the vagaries of climate change and to meet increasing demand. As in previous years, the focus remains on eradicating chemicals to improve food and environment safety. Research on AI-based models and tools is a standard theme, but it is diversifying to produce cost-effective versions… Continue reading…
How Real-Time 1-MCP Measurement is Revolutionizing Post-Harvest Freshness
When it comes to extending the shelf life of fresh produce, the industry has long relied on 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) to slow down ripening and keep fruits fresher for longer. But up until now, one major challenge has remained: measuring 1-MCP accurately and in real-time. Felix Instruments is changing that with the launch of the 1-MCP… Continue reading…
Felix Instruments Unveils the F-751 Grape Quality Meter – Available February 18, 2025
Felix Instruments is set to transform grape quality management with the release of the F-751 Grape Quality Meter, launching on February 18. This cutting-edge device provides non-destructive, instantaneous measurements of key grape quality indicators, helping growers, distributors, and researchers make informed decisions more precisely. A Smarter Way to Measure Grape Quality Traditional grape testing methods… Continue reading…
Harvest Index vs Harvest Maturity Index: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
The harvest index and harvest maturity index maximize yield and quality but involve different purposes, measurement methods, stakeholders, timing, and target crops. The harvest index is used during the research and cultivar development stage to measure plant function efficiency and estimates the carbon allotted to make harvestable products. The harvest maturity index estimates the best… Continue reading…
What Is the Best Packaging for Fresh Produce? A Guide to Types and Benefits
Various packaging and materials exist for transporting, storing, protecting, and displaying fresh produce. Different packaging is suitable for specific fresh produce. Modified Atmosphere Packaging that alters the inside atmosphere is most successful in maintaining quality and freshness and extending shelf life. A well-researched material choice and specific gas mixture are necessary for efficient MAP packaging… Continue reading…
Advancing Postharvest Science with Felix Instruments: A Spotlight on Dr. Karin Albornoz
Karin Albornoz is a postharvest biologist who focuses on the handling, storage, and transportation of fruits and vegetables after they are harvested. She has worked with a variety of produce, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and watermelon. In her current research at Clemson University, she is using an ethylene analyzer to study how ethylene production at… Continue reading…