Instrument for Nondestructive Measurement of Soluble Solids in Honeydew Melons

Abstract

An instrument, based on near infrared (NIR) reflectance techniques, is described which is capable of determining nondestructively the percent soluble solids (SS) in whole honeydew melons. It uses tilting-interference-filter technology for wavelength scanning and a silicon detector with preamplifier for sensing radiation which has passed through inner melon flesh. The standard error of calibration was 0.82 SS when compared with standard laboratory refractometer measurements.