Penetrometer for measuring fruit firmness

Flesh firmness is one of the most widely used indicators of how ripe fruit is. A piece that is too hard is picked too early and does not develop its quality; one that is too soft will not withstand cold storage or transport. The penetrometer turns that feeling in the finger into a figure: it measures the force needed for a tip of known cross-section to penetrate the flesh.

Our penetrometer is analogue, with a dial that gives a clear, immediate reading. It measures up to 13 kg (29 lb) with a resolution of 0.1 kg and works with a dual metric and imperial scale. It has a Peak Hold function: the needle stays at the maximum pressure reached, so you can read the result calmly after withdrawing the instrument, without having to watch the dial while you press.

It comes with interchangeable 8 and 11 mm stainless steel tips. The tip diameter is chosen according to the fruit and the quality control protocol you follow: the thicker tips are usually used on fruit with firm flesh and the thinner ones on softer or smaller fruit. What matters is always using the same tip for the same product, because readings taken with different tips are not comparable. It is suitable for apples, pears, kiwis, peaches, nectarines and apricots, among others.

It can be used by hand, as a handheld unit, directly in the orchard or at goods receipt, or mounted on a stand. The stand guides the movement vertically and at a constant speed, so it gives greater accuracy and more repeatable readings between operators. To complete ripeness control, the penetrometer is combined with the refractometer, which measures sugars, and the calibre gauge, which measures size.

At Fontanet Group, from Fraga (Huesca) and with a team of more than 30 years in the sector, we advise you on the most suitable tip and use for your fruit. Availability of the stand and the instrument is confirmed with our sales team.