Dry matter testing is the primary method to determine crop harvest quality and timing

United States

Tuesday 25 May 2021

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a non-destructive method to estimate DM levels without affecting a fruit. This technology is easily used with such small handheld instruments as the F-751 Avocado Quality Meter by Felix Instruments.

Dry matter is what remains when water is removed from an avocado. Normally there should be a minimum of ~21 percent of dry matter (depending on a region) to respond to consumer taste demands. At the same time, it can vary significantly, swinging more than 17 percent depending on the various locations studied.

Knowing typical dry matter variation of an avocado can significantly improve sampling accuracy in the field, laboratory, and packing house. Dry matter testing is the primary method to determine crop harvest quality and timing.

In the laboratory, it can be measured by drying fruits in a microwave or

conventional oven, and calculating this dry weight as a ratio of the fruit weight before drying.

Considering the usefulness of DM as a measure of fruit taste and quality, other techniques are necessary to estimate it in the field.

For more information about Felix Instruments, see their website.