Investigating texture and mechanical properties of Asian pear flesh by compression tests

In this study, texture and mechanical properties of Fengshui and Shingo pears were investigated by using double-bite compression tests. Texture properties such as hardness, fracturability, cohesiveness and springiness were determined and the relationships among selected sensory texture attributes were examined. Furthermore, the more objective mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, fracture and compression strength of pear were also investigated. The test results revealed that the hardness, fracturability and chewiness of Shingo are significantly higher than those of Fengshui. Besides, the strain at fracture of Shingo pear is 70 % higher than that of Fengshui and the stress of Shingo at fracture is 3 times higher than that of Fengshui. This understanding can be used to assist in the selection of superior variety of pears.