Food science articles

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Over image of NIR scanner: NIR in Agriculture 2023

NIR Applications in Agriculture – Everything You Need to Know for 2023

A Guide to NIR Applications in Agriculture for 2023   Explore the “what,” “why,” and “how” of NIR spectroscopy in agriculture. From quality control to sustainable farming, breeding programs to disease detection, dive into all your questions about NIR as we look toward 2023 and beyond.   Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy using data collected by scanners… Continue reading…

apple orchard on a sunny day

Ethylene Measurement & Rootstock Influence in Apple

How Rootstocks Influence Apple Fruit Quality and Yield   Besides influencing tree growth and yield of scion cultivars, rootstocks also affect fruit maturity in apples. The experiment found a climacteric pattern, where ethylene production, respiration rates, and oxygen consumption peaked after 5–7 days in fruits produced from all rootstocks. The 17 rootstocks have significant differences… Continue reading…

Gas analyzer training title card featuring the F-950 Three Gas Anlayzer

WEBINAR RECORDING: Handheld Gas Analyzer Series Live Training

Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Handheld Gas Analyzer Series Training QA professionals and research teams around the world are using Felix Instruments handheld gas analysis devices to conveniently measure critical ripening gasses CO2, O2, and ethylene. Join Application Scientist Eric Munoz for an in-depth look at Felix Instruments’ entire line of handheld gas… Continue reading…

man assessing produce quality in a greenhouse

The 5 Most Important Parameters in Produce Quality Control

Quality control throughout the process of precision horticulture is vital to maximizing efficient food production. Five quality parameters are regularly relied upon for the most accurate assessment of produce quality: dry matter, soluble sugars, titrable acidity, color, and firmness. These parameters act as maturity index and can optimize quality and yield in the supply chain… Continue reading…

avocados in a box

Irradiated Avocados: Testing Gamma Treatment for Postharvest Pest Control

Quarantine pests threaten avocado yield and export, but adequate methods of control do not currently exist. Gamma radiation of fruit as a possible postharvest treatment was evaluated, but the treatment was not found to be ideal. The experiment discusses the effects of gamma treatment on sensory and internal quality parameters and correlates it to physiological… Continue reading…

Male worker using digital tablet while checking shipment of watermelons in warehouse.

Guide to Fresh Fruit Quality Control

Quality control is essential because fruits are perishable and delicate and can be affected by handling, storage conditions, weather, pests and diseases, internal changes, and genetics. Accurate fruit quality assessment is critical on the farm, as well as during packaging, storage, transport, artificial ripening, retailing, and research. Internal fruit quality, ripening gas analysis in storage… Continue reading…

Sweet peppers growing on the vine

Ethylene Measurement and Postharvest Pepper Storage Quality

Peppers, a popular vegetable, are rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppers are also a source of red pigment capsicum, a high-quality food and textile dye. To serve their purpose, peppers need suitable postharvest treatment, storage, and packaging to maintain their quality. Factors Affecting Pepper Quality Peppers are harvested and eaten at… Continue reading…

Reducing Food Waste with NIRS

One way of increasing global food security is by reducing food loss throughout the supply chain. According to new estimates, about forty percent of food goes to waste, of which 50% is lost on farms. While consumers have some part to play in tackling food waste, farm and retail food loss must collectively be addressed… Continue reading…

NIR Spectroscopy to Assess Food Adulteration in UBF

Unripe banana flour (UBF), also called green banana flour, has the potential to increase food and nutrition security because of its many health benefits. However, standards to control and regulate food safety and technologies that can be used for quality control of this lucrative product are missing in many countries, allowing adulteration with cheaper and… Continue reading…

potato gnocchi sealed package

Active Packaging: What it is and why it’s important

The way food is purchased and consumed has undergone enormous changes in the last few decades. Consumers demand food that is minimally processed and nutritious with no chemical additives. At both the national and international levels, stringent controls on food are in place to protect consumers’ health. Also, changing retail and distribution methods are making… Continue reading…