Fruit Firmness Tester

The calibration device is supplied in accordance with ISO 9000, the quality management framework that governs how the device is produced and documented. It is designed as the check device for HPE fruit firmness tester units.

The device checks accuracy through spring force control in intervals of ten across the Shore A, B, 0, C, D, DO and L, L/c measuring ranges. Because our tester applies its load through a spring, the same spring force check confirms that the instrument still reads true.

The check method references the durometer standards DIN 53505, EN ISO 868, NF EN ISO 868, ASTM D2240 and JIS K 6253. Calibration certification is also available for the tester itself.

Our tester measures without breaking the peel, so the fruit you test stays saleable. With a destructive penetrometer every reading costs a piece of fruit, which pushes labs toward small samples. A non-destructive reading lets you test more fruit from each lot with no loss of inventory.

Firmness is also a direct indicator of ripeness. Regular readings help a grower or packer set the harvest date relative to the time the fruit will spend in transport and storage, so fruit is not picked too early or kept past its best.

The same readings support grading and price setting. Sorting lots by firmness sends the firmest fruit to long storage or distant markets and softer fruit to quick sale or processing, which cuts losses along the chain. Our article on fruit firmness testing in the food industry covers this in more detail.

The main accessory is the calibration device, which checks the instrument through spring force control. It is the item to add if your quality system calls for periodic in-house checks of the tester.

The second group is additional test anvils. The full set has six shapes: three flat cylinders of different contact area, two balls and a radius anvil. Together they cover fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and products such as tofu, so the anvils you add follow the produce you handle.

Anvils can be ordered with the instrument or added later as your product list grows. To add anvils or the calibration device to an order, request a quotation and list the fruit, vegetables or other products you measure.

Ultrasonic waves can propagate through materials, and the texture and structural properties of the materials influence their propagation characteristics.

When an ultrasonic wave is transmitted into a fruit, it travels through the material until it reaches the opposite surface, where it is reflected to the transmitter. The time it takes for the wave to travel through the fruit and back to the transmitter is recorded. This time is used to calculate the velocity of the wave. The velocity of the wave is related to the density and elasticity of the fruit tissue, which are indicators of fruit quality.

There are different types of ultrasonic sensors that you can use. They are contact and non-contact sensors. Contact sensors are placed on the surface of the fruit, while non-contact sensors emit waves from a distance. The advantage of non-contact sensors is that they do not deform the fruit and can be used to measure the texture of delicate fruits without causing damage.

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The tester covers soft stone fruit, berries, larger fruit and firm-fleshed produce, because the anvil is matched to the fruit. The 0.1 cm² cylinder (Ø 3.65 mm) is used for peaches, apricots and plums, and the 0.25 cm² cylinder (Ø 5.63 mm) for cherries, melons, tomatoes, blueberries, grapes and eggplant.

The 0.50 cm² cylinder (Ø 7.98 mm) suits strawberries and watermelons. The Ø 5.0 mm ball covers avocados, papayas, apples, mangoes, pears, oranges and other citrus fruit.

Because the anvil does not penetrate the peel, delicate fruit such as berries and soft stone fruit can be measured and still sold. Matching the anvil to the fruit also keeps readings comparable from one lot to the next, as long as the same anvil is used for the same fruit.

Generally, fruit that is stored for longer periods of time tends to soften as it continues to ripen. Therefore, the ideal firmness level for long-term storage fruit is typically higher than that of fresh fruit.

For example, apples that are intended for long-term storage are typically picked at a firmer stage of ripeness and stored at a temperature of around 32-35°F with controlled humidity levels. The ideal firmness level for these apples would be around 16-18 lbs of force when measured using a fruit firmness tester such as a penetrometer.

Similarly, pears that are intended for long-term storage are also typically picked at a firmer stage of ripeness and stored at a temperature of around 30-31°F with controlled humidity levels. The ideal firmness level for these pears would be around 11-13 lbs of force when measured using NextGen's fruit firmness tester.

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With our tester, the method is set by the instrument rather than by pushing a probe to a fixed depth. The anvil presses on the fruit with a constant pressure over a defined measuring time, and the unit shows the firmness value without penetrating the peel.

Start by choosing the anvil that matches the produce, and keep that anvil for the whole batch so readings stay comparable. Measure opposite sides of each fruit, the sun-side and the shadow-side, and record both values, because the two sides can differ.

Test enough fruit from each lot to see the spread, not one or two pieces. The unit stores up to 300 readings and has an RS232 output, so a full sampling round can be transferred to your records without writing values by hand. Our specialists can help you set up a sampling routine for your varieties.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your NextGen fruit firmness tester are crucial for accurate and consistent readings and for prolonging the device's lifespan. After each use, cleaning the tester with a damp cloth and mild detergent is recommended. Avoid using abrasive or harsh chemicals, as this may damage the device. Be sure to dry the tester thoroughly before storing it in a clean and dry place.

It is also important to regularly calibrate the tester to ensure its accuracy. Calibration involves comparing the readings of the tester to a known standard and adjusting as necessary. NextGen Material Testing provides instructions on how to perform calibration using their provided calibration weights.

In addition to regular cleaning and calibration, it is recommended to periodically inspect the tester for any signs of wear or damage. If any parts appear damaged or worn, consider having them replaced or repaired by a qualified technician to ensure the device continues to function properly.

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The Streif index combines three harvest measurements into one figure: flesh firmness divided by the product of soluble solids content and the starch index. It is used mainly for apples to judge the harvest window, with the target value set for each variety and storage plan.

As fruit matures on the tree, firmness falls while soluble solids and the starch conversion score rise, so the index declines toward harvest. Growers follow it across several pickings and harvest when it reaches the value set for that variety.

The classic index uses penetrometer firmness in kilograms. Our tester reports firmness in empirical units for comparison, so an index built from its readings is an in-house figure. Labs that need to report the classic Streif value first correlate the two scales on their own varieties, then follow the index with non-destructive readings.

The NextGen Fruit Firmness Tester is a portable device designed to accurately measure the firmness of fruits. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to use and transport.

NextGen's Fruit Firmness Tester weighs approximately 800 grams (28.2 ounces), making it easy to hold with one hand. Its dimensions are 180mm x 76mm x 48mm (7.1in x 3in x 1.9in).

The compact size and lightweight nature of the NextGen Fruit Firmness Tester make it a convenient tool for use in the field or laboratory. It can be used to measure the firmness of fruits such as apples, pears, kiwifruit, cherries, and peaches. It is also ideal for use in the processing and packaging of fruits to ensure quality control.

Yes, NextGen's fruit firmness tester can be connected to a computer or mobile device for data analysis. The tester comes with a USB cable which you can use to connect to a computer or laptop. Once connected, you can transfer data to the computer automatically or manually, depending on the mode you chose. Excel compatibility is available, and can be used to generate reports, graphs, and other data visualization tools.

In addition, NextGen has also developed a mobile app that can be downloaded and installed on smartphones and tablets. The app allows users to connect their fruit firmness tester to their mobile device via Bluetooth and transfer data wirelessly. It is user-friendly and offers features such as real-time data analysis, data management, and sharing capabilities. The app also enables operators to configure the device settings, including the test parameters and unit of measurement.

Connecting your NextGen Fruit Firmness tester to a computer allows you to track changes in fruit firmness over time, analyze trends, and make informed decisions on harvesting, processing, and storage.

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Measuring fruit firmness plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and longevity of fruits. This importance is highlighted by the fact that fruit growers and producers frequently use firmness testing to make important decisions, such as when to harvest fruits, when to transport them, and when to sell them.

Fruit firmness is a vital indicator of the fruit's maturity, freshness, and ripeness, as well as its ability to withstand handling and transportation. Fruits that are too firm may not be fully ripe or may lack flavour, while fruits that are too soft may be overripe and vulnerable to damage. By measuring fruit firmness, you can ensure that fruits are at the optimal stage of ripeness and quality, which translates into better flavour and longer shelf life.

The Fruit Firmness Tester from NextGen provides a reliable and accurate method for measuring fruit firmness, making it an invaluable tool for fruit growers, distributors, and researchers.

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The standard configuration includes the main unit, one designated test anvil, a charger and a foam-fitted case, so the instrument is ready to measure out of the box.

The unit is German manufactured, hand-held and ergonomic, and it runs up to 200 hours between charges. The foam-fitted case protects it on the way between orchard, packhouse and lab, and the instrument works in both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Only one anvil is included as standard. The other anvils are interchangeable and can be bought with the tester or later, which lets the same unit move from fruit to vegetables, meat and fish as your product range grows. When you order, tell us the produce you test most so the included anvil matches it.

The NextGen fruit firmness tester is a handheld device that measures the firmness of fruit by applying a small amount of pressure to the fruit's surface. The device uses a small plunger attached to a spring-loaded mechanism inside the tester. When the plunger is pressed against the fruit's surface, the spring is compressed, and the device records the force required to compress the spring.

To use the NextGen fruit firmness tester, the user simply places the plunger on the surface of the fruit and presses down gently until the plunger reaches the fruit's flesh. The device will display a reading of the firmness of the fruit in units of pressure, typically in Newtons or pounds-force.

The tester can be calibrated for different types of fruit and can be adjusted to accommodate variations in fruit size and shape. Moreover, proper calibration before use to ensure accurate readings is a must!

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The accuracy of NextGen’s Fruit Firmness Tester  is checked by using certified test blocks or samples. These blocks are made to a specific hardness and are traceable to a national or international standard. The firmness tester is then used to measure the hardness of the test blocks, and the results are compared to the known hardness values of the blocks. Any deviation from the expected values indicates a need for calibration or adjustment of the tester.

Another method for checking the accuracy of Fruit Firmness Tester by using multiple testers to measure the hardness of the same sample. If the results are consistent across all testers, it is an indication that they are accurately calibrated. Any differences in the results may indicate that one or more of the testers need calibration.

Regular calibration and maintenance of NextGen’s Fruit Firmness Tester are crucial to ensure their accuracy. Calibration intervals and procedures may vary depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, frequency of use, and the quality management system in place.

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Non-destructive acoustic impact response involves generating a small impact on the surface of the fruit using a device, such as an accelerometer, and then measuring the resulting sound waves. These sound waves are analyzed to determine various properties of the fruit, such as its firmness, maturity, and quality.

During the test, the accelerometer is attached to the fruit surface, and then a tiny impact is applied using a spring-loaded striker. The accelerometer records the resulting vibrations, which are then analyzed to determine the fruit's texture properties.

Non-destructive acoustic impact response provides a quick and non-invasive method to assess fruit texture. Non-destructive acoustic impact response has also been found to be a reliable method for assessing the quality of fruits, which can help reduce waste by identifying fruits that are too ripe or damaged and not suitable for sale.

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The tester reads on a scale of 0 to 100 empirical units. These units are meant for comparison between fruit, lots and dates measured the same way, rather than as an absolute force or pressure value.

The anvil decides where a given product falls on that scale. Each anvil is matched to a group of products by size and softness, so the same instrument covers berries and soft stone fruit as well as apples, citrus and firm vegetables when the right anvil is fitted.

For meaningful comparisons, keep the anvil and the measuring routine fixed for each product, and build your own reference values from fruit whose storage or eating quality you already know. Firmness targets are then expressed in the tester's own units for each variety you handle.

Firstly, a fruit firmness tester provides more objective and accurate results than human sensory evaluation. Human sensory evaluation can be influenced by factors such as individual variation in perception, fatigue, and subjective interpretation of fruit texture. In contrast, a fruit firmness tester measures the force required to penetrate the fruit, providing a quantitative measure of fruit firmness. This eliminates subjectivity and ensures consistency in the measurement.

Secondly, using a fruit firmness tester is faster and more efficient than human sensory evaluation. The process of manually squeezing fruit to determine firmness can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for large-scale fruit testing. In contrast, a fruit firmness tester can provide results in a matter of seconds, making it a more efficient tool for fruit testing.

Finally, using a fruit firmness tester reduces the risk of damage to the fruit during testing. Squeezing fruit manually can cause bruising or other damage to the fruit, affecting its quality and shelf life. The non-destructive nature of a fruit firmness tester allows for repeated measurements without damaging the fruit.

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Beyond fruit, the same instrument measures vegetables, meat and fish, because the anvils are interchangeable. The Ø 2.5 mm ball is used for kohlrabi, carrots, cucumber, radish, courgette and firm onions, while the Ø 5.0 mm ball also handles cucumber, peppers and soft onions.

The 6.35 mm radius anvil covers boiled potatoes, bananas, smoked fish and boiled beetroot, and the 0.50 cm² cylinder is used for broccoli, meat and tofu. One tester can therefore serve a packhouse or lab that handles mixed produce.

The instrument is portable and works indoors and outdoors, so readings can be taken in the orchard, at receiving or in the cold store. If your product is not on these lists, tell us what you measure and we will recommend the anvil to use.

Vibration methods excite the whole fruit, with a light tap or a vibrating support, and record how it responds. A firmer fruit is stiffer and vibrates at a higher natural frequency, so the frequency, combined with the fruit's mass, gives a stiffness value that follows firmness without touching the flesh.

The result describes the fruit as a whole rather than one spot. It also depends on fruit size and shape, so each variety needs its own reference values before readings can be compared.

Our tester works on a different principle. It reads local firmness at the point where the anvil meets the fruit, without penetrating the peel, which is why readings are taken on more than one side of the fruit. Both approaches are non-destructive, and a hand-held reading suits spot checks in the field and at receiving.