Before you start harvesting, you need to know if your fruit is ripe enough. Unripe fruit may not be accepted by end users or may not be satisfactory for further processing. One of the parameters that can help you detect maturity is Brix.
Brix is a measure of the amount of dissolved solids in a liquid. It is mostly used to measure dissolved sugar.
1 degree Brix = 1 gram of sucrose / 100 grams of solution.
Brix is taken as a measure of sugar or sweetness of fruits or fruit juices.
This parameter is being used as a measure of maturity, flavour, and level of sweetness in fruit and vegetables that will be harvest. By measuring Brix we can determine the time of harvest, sales and processing.
This parameter is being used as a measure of maturity, flavour, and level of sweetness in fruit and vegetables that will be harvest. By measuring Brix we can determine the time of harvest, sales and processing.
The Brix value for determining the degree of ripeness will depend, among other conditions, on the type of fruit. A fruit that ripens even after picking is a climacteric fruit, while a fruit that no longer ripens after picking is a non-climacteric fruit.
In non-climacteric fruits, the fruits will only ripe on the tree. During that process they accumulate only sugars and no starch. So after harvest, this type can’t ripen further, so, physiological and commercial maturity is nearly the same point.
Optimal
Brix value
for berry
harvest:
Blueberries
8,3-14,3°
Raspberries
12-14°
8,3-14,3°
12-14°
Strawberry
14-16°
Cranberries
7-10,5°
Blackberries
9-10°
14-16°
7-10,5°
9-10°
Brix value is being measured with refractometer. There are several models, but digital one are the easiest to measure with. A refractometer is a device that can be used to measure the sugar or solids content of various solutions. Refractometers are available with different types of scales to measure specific gravity, total solids, and Brix.
Hanna Instruments will help you determine when is the right time to harvest your berries.
HI96800
Digital Refractometer for Sugar Analysis Throughout the Food Industry
Hanna’s new HI96800 Digital Refractometer measures Refractive Index and displays results in both temperature compensated (nD20) and non-temperature compensated (nD) formats on the dual-level LCD screen. The HI96800’s intuitive layout and pinpoint accuracy ensures effortless operation and reliable readings every time. Refractive Index is measured to determine a liquid’s composition and assess its concentration and density. It is used by many industries including pharmaceutical, food and environmental, as an important indicator of quality and consistency. The HI96800 also converts Refractive Index to % Brix with the push of a single button.
The improved easy-to-read LCD screen displays temperature units (°C or °F) and measurements simultaneously. By pressing the ‘Range’ key, users can easily switch between refractive index (nD), refractive index (nD20) and % Brix readings while in measurement mode. The HI96800’s IP65
water-resistant casing and sealed sample well is built to perform under harsh conditions, making it suitable for use in the field or in the laboratory.
- 3300-1.5080 Refractive Index range with +/- 0.0005 accuracy
- 0-85% Brix range with +/- 0.2% accuracy
- Simple one-button calibration
- Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) and No Temperature Compensation Settings (NoTC)
HI96801
Digital Refractometer for Brix Analysis in Foods
The HI96801 is a rugged, portable digital refractometer for food products designed to report the sugar content of aqueous solutions as % Brix. The HI96801 report the results with an accuracy of ±0.2% Brix. The operation of the meter is simplified with only two buttons: one button is to calibrate with distilled or deionized water and the other to take a measurement. All readings are automatically compensated for temperature variations according to the ICUMSA Methods Book standard and displayed within a 1.5 second response time. The sealed flint glass prism and stainless steel well are easy to clean. Just wipe with a soft cloth in preparation for the next sample.
The HI96801 is a rugged, portable digital refractometer for food products designed to report the sugar content of aqueous solutions as % Brix. The HI96801 report the results with an accuracy of ±0.2% Brix. The operation of the meter is simplified with only two buttons: one button is to calibrate with distilled or deionized water and the other to take a measurement. All readings are automatically compensated for temperature variations according to the ICUMSA Methods Book standard and displayed within a 1.5 second response time. The sealed flint glass prism and stainless steel well are easy to clean. Just wipe with a soft cloth in preparation for the next sample.
Author:
Tajana Mokrović, mag.nutr.
Tajana Mokrović, mag.nutr.
