Nondestructive Vegetable/Fruit Firmness Evaluation Devices (Part 1)

Firmness Evaluation Device by Deformation “HIT-COUNTER”

Abstract

To evaluate the firmness of fruits and vegetables without destruction, deformed quantity by compressive force was measured within the elastic range. A basic testing equipment (HIT-COUNTER I) was made and tried on kiwifruits to evaluate their firmness. A high correlation to the conventional destructive fruit tester was found, and the possibility of firmness evaluation without destruction was proven. Based on the results, a single equipment for practical use (HIT-COUNTER II) was made, and tested in several laboratories. It was confirmed that the firmness evaluation without destruction was possible in several kinds of fruits. The developed equipment has been produced on a commercial basis, and is beginning to be used in some testing laboratories.