How to Measure Whole Fruit Volume

The below passage is an excerpt of an article authored by Stable Micro Systems (SMS). For more information, visit SMS’ website.

To classify fruits and vegetables, we typically sort them by external characteristics (such as size, color, shape, external defects, etc.) and internal (such as sugar content, acid content, firmness, maturity, etc).

Volume is an obvious and useful property to measure. Until recently, volume has been measured via water displacement. This test, while straightforward and simple, only provides us with a single isolated figure. However, technological advancements now allow us to scan a sample digitally, so that the contours of the fruit can be used to calculate its precise dimensions.

One such example is the use of a VolScan Profiler – a benchtop laser-based scanner that measures a product’s volume. The rapid 3-dimensional digitization of a product results in several detailed dimension-related parameters, which may then be used in a variety of data formats.

How to measure Volume Once the product is mounted, the sample is weighed and a laser measures the contours of the sample at specific intervals while it rotates. Data results may be viewed in 2D or 3D, whic allows visual comparisons with previous measurements.

Laser-based scanners such as the VolScan Profiler provide controlled, repeatable analysis, which offers both quality assessment standards and precision in physical characterization.

Scans of fruit Whatever the type of fruit product, its texture must match consumer sensory preferences. Producing accurate and repeatable data on food textures is essential for optimum texture quality. The TA.XTPlus Texture Analyzer, along with attachments, is currently the most advanced of its type. It facilitates efficient and cost-effective testing, helping develop technically superior products.

For more detailed information of texture analyzer settings, specific sample preparation procedures, and data analysis techniques on this or any of the above mentioned tests, please contact your TTC rep.

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