How Is Non-Destructive Quality Assessment of Fresh Produce Changing the Supply Chain?

The standard quality parameters monitored are color, texture, sugar, titratable acidity, and dry matter content. Several destructive methods of estimation exist for the parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy is currently the only non-destructive method for quality control of sugars, titrable acidity, internal color, and dry matter content. Near-infrared spectroscopy can precisely and rapidly estimate all quality parameters,… Continue reading…

Advances in Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Root Crop Quality Detection

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an interesting technology because it can detect quality nondestructively, rapidly, and precisely. NIR spectroscopy can correctly estimate internal quality parameters like protein, sugar, water content, starch, and anthocyanins. NIR spectroscopy helps in the early detection of potato diseases and their severity. NIR spectroscopy for root crops has been applied in laboratories,… Continue reading…

What Is the Best Blackberry Harvest Maturity Index for Quality?

Color is the chief harvest maturity index. Other appearance parameters, such as firmness, size, and weight, are also used. Chemical harvest maturity indices, especially the latter, are crucial, including total soluble solids (sugar content), titrable acidity, and taste. Blackberries for processing require different harvest maturity indices and increasingly use dry matter. Harvest maturity indices are… Continue reading…

How Does Bruise Susceptibility in Fresh Produce Impact Quality and Harvest Timing?

Bruise susceptibility varies based on the species, cultivar, and physical and physiological properties of fresh produce. The critical bruising threshold estimates the bruise susceptibility of fruits at different firmness. A critical bruising threshold has been used to develop a harvest maturity index that identifies the minimum firmness (or maximum maturity) for harvesting stone fruits. Bruising… Continue reading…

How to Determine the Right Avocado Harvest Maturity Index for Optimal Quality

Physical and chemical parameters and crop chronology are used as harvest maturity indices for avocados. Physical quality parameters, especially appearance, are commonly used worldwide. Dry matter content measured by near-infrared spectroscopy-based devices has become the industry standard maturity index. Sugar content is not a reliable avocado harvest maturity index. Avocado fruits go through four stages… Continue 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…

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…

What Is The Best Apple Harvest Maturity Index?

Apple harvest maturity indices are mainly based on physical and chemical attributes. The most reliable method is the starch index. The harvest maturity index values differ based on cultivars and the storage time. Each fruit is distinctive, and the methods used to fix harvest time must be customized for each cultivar. Determining the optimum harvest… Continue reading…

What is The Best Grape Harvest Maturity Index to Determine Harvest Time?

Harvest maturity indices overlap significantly, but as a standard practice to fix harvest time for grapes meant for winemaking, more parameters are used than for fruits for fresh consumption. Total soluble solids, titrable acidity, taste, color, and phenols are critical aspects of the harvest maturity index. Non-destructive near-infrared spectroscopy-based techniques are increasingly used to estimate… Continue reading…

How to Improve Shelf Life and Fruit Quality: A Conversation on Tech and Collaboration with Dave Giannini from Apeel and Felix Instruments

In a recent webinar, Galen, Director of Applied Science at Felix Instruments, and Dave Giannini, Chief Software Architect at Apeel Sciences, unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at reducing food waste in the produce industry. This partnership leverages Felix Instruments’ cutting-edge spectrometer technology combined with Apeel Sciences’ innovative software solutions to empower growers, pack houses, retailers,… Continue reading…