Instrumental evaluation of some New Zealand fruit colours using CIELAB values

Abstract

Abstract Quantitative colour specifications based on CIE [1976] L* a* b* (CIELAB) values have teen obtained for the fleshy fruits of 52 New Zealand indigenous plant species by the use of reflectance spectroscopy. The measured range of colours was compared with descriptions based on visual assessment, and revealed the limitations of the use of general colour terms. Instrumental evaluation offrait colours in terms of CIELAB values is proposed for the communication of colour information, both as an aid to identification and to provide a quantitative basis for subsequent consideration of colour differences and contrasts.