| Abstract: | A nondestructive optical method was studied for estimating the sensory quality of Golden Delicious and York Imperial apples. The coefficients of determination were significant for estimating sweetness of York Imperial, acidity of Golden Delicious and York Imperial, and crispness, hardness, toughness, and juiciness of Golden Delicious apples using optical measurements. The coefficients of determination were weakest with optical data at a single wavelength, intermediate with optical data compensated for fruit size and drift of instrument current, and strongest with multiple wavelength data. These analyses indicate that 30 to 50% of the variation in sensory attributes can be accounted for by factors affecting optical density of the fruit at specific wavelengths. |
