Math makes for a better mango

Ryan Lerud’s late nights teaching himself multivariate statistics have yielded a new targeted, cost-effective method for measuring fruit ripeness. An Engineering Intern at Felix Instruments, Lerud has been awarded a grant to present his research at the 2014 International Diffuse Reflectance Conference. This year the IDRC is focusing on “Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy in Emerging Markets,” where Lerud’s work on the F-750 Portable Produce Quality Meter represents a breakthrough in applying chemometrics to NIR analysis for analysing sugars, dry matter, and moisture content to identify when fruits are at ideal ripeness. The technology has already been successfully applied to mangos, cherries, grapefruit and apples.

“The intent of the instrument is to bring the power of chemometrics to the field worker,” said Lerud, whose goal is to develop a NIR/Vis Portable Fruit Quality Meter that costs less than $1000. “With the F-750, producers can harvest at ideal ripeness. It starts in the field and adds up to offering a better product on supermarket shelves,” notes Michael Larman, General Manager of Felix Instruments. The F-750 is capable of measuring multiple produce traits including total soluble solids, dry matter, acids, and moisture content to determine fruit quality in terms of taste, texture, and colour. The instrument also measures alcohol and fat content in organic matter, allowing potential applications in product management for brewers, vintners, and meat and dairy producers.

Leonard Felix, President CID Bio-Science: “Ripeness and flavour – the most important metrics for fruit quality – can now be pinpointed while the fruit is still on the tree.”

For more information:
Judith Edwards
CID Bio-Science
Tel: +1 360-833-8835 ext 208
Fax: +1 360-833-1914
Email: [email protected]
www.felixinstruments.com