Non-destructive Determination of Sweetness of Philippine Fruits using NIR Technology

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid and non-destructive method for evaluating internal quality, including TSS and firmness. A non-destructive NIR device can be used to accurately determine the sugar content of fruit in degrees Brix, enough to match a destructive commercial refractometer. This study aims to determine if a non-destructive NIR device can be used to accurately determine the sugar content of fruit in degrees Brix, enough to match a destructive commercial refractometer. The lowest R2 value belongs to the Mango with 0.761, while the highest belongs to the Strawberry with 0.9147. For Oranges, Papayas, Chicos, and Grapes - their respective R2 values are 0.8776, 0.8447, 0.7845, and 0.8407. Fruits were cleaned thoroughly before subjecting to NIR spectroscopy to reduce interference, and the AS7265x spectral triad spectrometer captured their respective absorbance spectra. From the ranges gathered, the researchers developed a regression model that can be used with the Arduino UNO to create a program that could detect the sugar content of the fruit.