Application Note: Pears

Pressure tests have traditionally been applied in the quantification of textural properties of pears. Correlation of instrumental mechanical measures with perceived sensory characteristics provides an objective method of quantifying subjective parameters. Quantification of textural properties is beneficial in:

• Determining optimum point of harvest
• Controlled ripening and storage
• Optimization of process operations (e.g., freezing, blanching, cooking, etc.)
• Indicator of potential mechanical injury (bruising)
• Control of raw materials through application of objective quality measures
• Conformance to customer requirements and supply of correctly ripened products
• Quantification of product shelf-life in relation to ripening