Near-infrared detection of pressure-induced changes in apple textures

The assessment of the optical properties of fruit is a topical issue on account of the convenience and flexibility of laser-based spectroscopy. This study deals with the variations of four optical parameters of apples under mechanical compression. These optical parameters were measured by means of spatially-resolved spectroscopy, and the assessment of mechanical characteristics was achieved through the TPA (Texture Profile Analysis) test. Significant correlations between these variations and the mechanical parameters were established. High-quality models were obtained, namely a quadratic relation between the variation of the absorption coefficient and hardness 1 (R2=0.9607).

Vianney PIRON, Jean Pierre L’HUILLIER, Emmanuel MADIETA, Emira MEHINAGIC