Determine sugar content in fruits with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer

Summer brings an abundance of delicious fruits, from juicy watermelons to sweet strawberries. Whether you're a farmer, a vendor, or simply a fruit enthusiast, ensuring your fruits are at their peak ripeness is crucial for maximum flavor and quality. One of the most reliable methods to determine the ripeness of fruits is by measuring their sugar content in °Brix. The SmartRef makes this process easier and more accurate than ever.

What is Brix measurement?

Brix measurement is a method used to determine the sugar content in an aqueous solution, in this case, the juice of the fruits. A higher Brix value indicates that the fruit contains more sugar and, therefore, more sweetness. The measurement is given in degrees Brix (°Bx). One degree Brix is corresponding to one gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution.

Brix measurement - Unlocking the sweet secrets of your fruit

The sugar content of a fruit is a critical indicator of its ripeness and flavor. Brix measurement ensures your fruits have reached optimal ripeness before you harvest or process them. Produce with high Brix levels typically has a superior taste, a longer shelf life, and increased resistance to pests. Conversely, low Brix values can signal nutrient deficiencies, resulting in poor taste and quicker spoilage.

Regularly measuring Brix values provides valuable insights into growth patterns, helping you track crop quality over time and identify the ideal harvest time for optimal results. This information is invaluable for farmers, vendors, and consumers alike. Farmers can determine the best time to harvest and vendors can ensure they sell only the highest quality produce. Consumers have the possibility to select the best fruits and vegetables for superior taste and nutritional intake.

Master the Brix levels with SmartRef Digital Refractometer and Lab Meister mobile app

SmartRef is a state-of-the-art digital refractometer that delivers precise Brix measurements with an outstanding accuracy of ± 0.2.
Here's how you can use the digital refractometer SmartRef with the Lab Meister mobile app to measure the Brix levels of your summer fruits:

• Prepare the fruit sample:
  Start by selecting a small sample of the fruit you wish to test and extract 0.4 mL of its juice for your measurement. Ensure that the juice is free from pulp or seeds to avoid negative effects on the accuracy of your reading.
• Perform a quick SmartRef adjustment:
  Before taking a measurement, it's essential to adjust your SmartRef device with distilled water. Pipette distilled water into the sample well and start the adjustment via the Lab Meister app.
• Measure the Brix value:
  Place a few drops of the extracted juice into the sample well of the SmartRef and start your Brix (°Bx) measurement with the Lab Meister app. The result is displayed within seconds.
• Perform an acid correction to the Brix value:
  In citrus fruits, for instance, a high amount of acids can influence the measured Brix value. For the correction, simply open the Brix acid calculator in the Lab Meister app. Determine the titratable acid in %w/w of your sample. Enter the measured Brix value and titratable acid value in the calculator, which immediately gives you the corrected value.
• Save and interpret the results:
  Store your measurements in your logs and compare the measured Brix value with the optimal values for the specific fruit you are testing to determine the degree of ripeness.
• Clean the SmartRef:
  Easily clean your SmartRef by rinsing it thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a clean towel.
  
  

Ideal Brix levels for different summer fruits

To help you better understand what Brix levels to look for, here are examples of Brix levels for some popular summer fruits. Brix levels can vary by fruit and even by section of the same fruit. When trying to understand Brix, think of the number as a guide and consider it a way to evaluate flavor rather than a single taste measurement.

*for watermelons, measure the juice from the flesh near the center, as this area is the sweetest

Discover the SmartRef advantages over traditional refractometers

• Accuracy:
  SmartRef provides highly accurate Brix measurements with an accuracy of ±0.2.
• Ease of use:
  With its intuitive design and user-friendly app, even those new to Brix measurement can quickly learn to use SmartRef.
• Portability:
  Compact and lightweight, SmartRef is easy to carry around, making it perfect for use in the field or at markets.
• Efficiency:
  SmartRef delivers results in seconds and is very easy to clean, allowing you to test multiple samples quickly and efficiently.
• Brix acid correction:
  SmartRef includes a calculator for the correction of the Brix value when a high amount of dissolved acids is present.
• Easy data storage:
  Store your readings with SmartRef and the Lab Meister app effortlessly. Utilize features like cloud storage and data export to access your data anytime and anywhere.

Try it out and experience the difference!