![]() ![]() Brix measurement methods used for the process industry can be classified as in-line measurement and sample-based measurement methods. In the destructive-type method, fruit extract is required to perform the measurement, whereas, in the nondestructive methods, Brix measurement is performed on the fruit without cutting it. Brix measurement methods used in agriculture and horticulture commodities are generally categorized as destructive and nondestructive types. There are various other methods to measure Brix value such as differential measurement, density measurement, osmotic potential measurement, mass flow measurement, optical, ultrasonic, and biosensors. The most popular instrument for Brix measurement is either refractometer or a hydrometer, where a refractometer is an optical device, and a hydrometer is a glass device used to measure the specific gravity. Since sugar concentration has a linear relationship with SG and density, Brix can be measured via any of these two quantities. One degree Brix is 1 g of sucrose in 100 g of solution (1 ∘Brix = 1% sugar). It indicates the number of dissolved solids in a liquid measured via its specific gravity (SG). Brix can be measured in the field, on a plant, or at a shop. However, the most widely used unit in the food and beverage industry is Brix. Dissolved sugar in the fruit juice is measured in terms of Brix, Baume or Oechsle. This calculation is an essential part of winemaking and brewing that can affect decisions made in the alcohol industry. The measurement of sugar levels in a grape must or a wort allows winemakers and brewers to estimate the alcohol content after the fermentation. ![]() In a winemaking and brewing, the fermentation process converts sugar into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide with the help of a microfungus called yeast. In the food industry, to produce different soft drinks, tomato concentrates, fruit juices, and honey, sweetness control is the prime element. It is a significant indicator in harvest scheduling, postharvest management, and variety selection for farmers. Hence, it is the pivotal factor in agriculture, the food industry, winemaking and brewing. ![]() Sugar content is one of the measures used to judge the various stages of maturity. The different stages of harvest maturity are shown in Figure 1. However, harvest maturity is the crucial factor determining the shelf life and final quality of any fruit or vegetable. The flavor is defined by sweetness and aroma. The appearance factors are size, shape, and color whereas the factors associated with texture include firmness, crispiness, and juiciness. The crop quality can be evaluated by various attributes such as appearance, texture, and flavor. It is concluded that while there exist a variety of methods and instruments for Brix measurement, traits such as promptness and low cost of analysis, minimal sample preparation, and environmental friendliness are still among the prime requirements of the industry.įruits and vegetables play a vital role in the human diet as they are rich in carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibres, and antioxidants. This review presents recent developments in different destructive and nondestructive Brix measurement techniques focused on fruits, vegetables, and beverages. Labour ineffectiveness can be a significant drawback of such methods. On the other hand, the traditional sample-based methods involve manual sample collection of the liquid from the tank in fruit/vegetable juice making and in wineries or breweries. However, these techniques are manual, time-consuming, and most importantly, the fruits or vegetables are damaged during testing. The Brix monitoring of fruit and vegetables by destructive methods includes sensory assessment involving sensory panels, instruments such as refractometer, hydrometer, and liquid chromatography. The measurement of sugar content, or Brix, as it is commonly known, is an essential part of the quality analysis of the agricultural products and alcoholic beverages. Quality assessment of fruits, vegetables, or beverages involves classifying the products according to the quality traits such as, appearance, texture, flavor, sugar content. ![]()
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