Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/717894
46 SEPTEMBER 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com G rowers and packers require accurate information about fruit maturity over the course of a season — on the tree prior to harvest, at receiving in the storage facility and throughout storage — to ensure a year-round supply of high-quality fruit. At the same time, posthar- vest losses must be minimized to ensure financially sustainable packouts and returns for growers. Recently, several devices to assist in determining some of the commonly used fruit quality param- eters, such as firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), dry matter content (DMC) and skin color, have been introduced to the market. The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), under the leadership of project manager Ines Hanrahan, has tested several such devices. The following summarizes those findings without endorsing any one product over another. New tools to determine fruit quality parameters Good to Know Several devices and methods to measure fruit quality have been introduced to the market — here's a look at what they do. by Ines Hanrahan and Stefan Röder, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission Ines Hanrahan Stefan Röder Supporting your Food Safety Program since 1978 ISO 17025 Accredited HACCP HARPC FSMA GMP SSOP EMP RA GFSI - the Fresh Pack alphabet soup! HACCP HARPC FSMA GMP SSOP EMP RA GFSI - the Fresh Pack alphabet soup! Call Laura at 1-800-545-4206 www.cascadeanalytical.com Put your food safety goggles on "to Search and Destroy". Smart sampling plans conserve resources. You can trust us to select approved methods, provide qualified staff and reliable results. MARCHANT LADDERS, INC. Quality Ladders Since 1978 509-882-1912 Grandview, Washington Heavy Duty Top Bracket Heavy Duty Bottom Step Extra support on longer steps, all steps 3" wide • Buy factory direct • BEST ladder at the BEST price • Available 6 to 16 foot Built of sturdy, lightweight ALUMINUM— Specifically for agriculture "The Standard for the Serious Orchardist"