How Fruit Industry Leaders use Texture Analysis to get ahead of their competition

How the Agricultural Research Institute measures texture at the watermelon harvest

The Agricultural Research Institute in Cyprus installed a TA.XTplus Texture Analyser just in time for the harvest of watermelons for an important trial. Stable Micro Systems were very happy to be able to assist and train the new user ‘on the job’. Texture Analysis was one of several methods used to assess melons of different varieties, root stocks and post-harvest storage times.

A method was developed to accurately quantify the flesh firmness using the Multiple Puncture Probe (A/MPP). The central pins were removed so as to avoid the hard core which gave a mis-representative result. The outer ring of pins was ideally located as they punctured the heart of the melon yet avoided the seeds.

Sample preparation involved cutting the melon in half and removing the blossom end with a sharp knife to provide extra stability.

The melon was presented to the texture analyser and levelled, if necessary, to ensure a flat testing surface. The penetration test was commenced. The area under the curve was taken as the flesh firmness. The melon was then passed to the next station for further destructive analysis including sugar content, colour evaluation and lycopene content.

How Sias use Texture Analysis to improve fruit quality

Sias installed a Texture Analyser with the aim of testing finished products but now also use it in new product development. For example, having identified the ideal consistency for an apple puree, it is possible to develop a blackcurrant product with a similar viscosity and mouthfeel.

Steven Smallwood, Sias NPD Manager, comments: "Each year, different fruits come into fashion and we could find ourselves handling fruits we haven't processed before. Using texture analysis enables us to quickly assess how a new fruit will process, and adjust equipment or procedures accordingly, without wasting time or money."

Because texture analysis is so flexible, it can be used throughout the food industry to test ingredients as well as finished products. Stable Micro Systems stresses that it should not be viewed as a substitute for human taste testing, but as a complement to it.

As Hido Malic, Sias quality and development manager, commented: "Installing the texture analyser was a simple way of upgrading our quality control procedures. Organoleptic testing remains very important, but the Texture Analyser is now an integral part of the process. Our customers can be confident of consistently high quality, and that obviously brings great benefits to the business".

Texture analysis has brought tangible benefits to Sias and other major European food processors by improving quality, reducing rejected product and saving time.

How the University of Torino measures the crunchiness of table grapes

Scientists at the University of Torino have published an extremely interesting book chapter and several academic papers entitled: 'Changes in Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dehydrating Berries'.

This highlights the parameters that a TA.XTplus Texture Analyser and Acoustic Envelope Detector can provide, as predictors of consumer acceptability of wine grapes.

Instrumental mechanical and acoustic variables were determined for the berry seeds of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested at different ripening stages.

The main goal of this research was to assess the influence of the developmental changes on the texture properties of the grape seed to provide useful indicators of maturity.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

To discuss your specific test requirements click here...