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MEASUREMENT OF FRUIT PEELABILITY IN THE GENUS ACTINIDIA
Author(s) -
HARKER F. ROGER,
HALLETT IAN C.,
WHITE ANNE,
SEAL ALAN G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of texture studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.593
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1745-4603
pISSN - 0022-4901
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-4603.2010.00270.x
Subject(s) - flesh , actinidia , tearing , actinidia chinensis , biology , horticulture , botany , materials science , composite material
Actinidia (kiwifruit) vary in peeling behavior from “difficult to peel” to “easy to peel.” Thus, the breeding of new cultivars of commercially acceptable kiwifruit with peelable skins is possible. Identification of skin properties conferring peelability and development of a simple, repeatable method for measuring peelability will be critical to the success of breeding programs. We assessed mechanical and biological characteristics of kiwifruit skins with respect to the ease with which fruit could be peeled. Values for skin–flesh adhesion, skin compliance in tension, and skin tearing were obtained, and a simple method for quantifying peelability developed based on knowledge of tearing of sheet materials. Using this test, we established that peelability varies among kiwifruit selections, but is only evident once fruit has ripened. We demonstrated that efficiency of peeling was dependent on the radius of curvature from which the skin is drawn away from the flesh. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The development of a peelable kiwifruit will enhance the diversity of products in the kiwifruit category and provide consumers with a more convenient option for eating this type of fruit. The information presented in this study contributes to the knowledge of the biological, structural and mechanical properties that influence skin‐to‐flesh adhesion and skin tearing behavior. The simple protocol for assessing peelability may be adapted for use in screening seedling populations for this trait.