Optimizing the methodology to measure firmness of grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) during ripening

Abstract

Firmness in grape is considered an important attribute of organoleptic quality and is a desirable feature for good storage. A firm crunchy berry is considered a sign of freshness and health, while allowing longer storage times and permitting the fruit to reach markets in optimal condition. The first aim of this study was to develop a methodology to objectively measure the firmness of table grape (Vitis vinifera L.). For that, two cultivars classified as soft and crunch (‘Muscat Hamburg’ and ‘Sugraone Seedless’, respectively) were used. Afterwards, the methodology was applied for classifying nine cultivars of table grape (‘Muscat Alexandrie’, ‘Muscat Hamburg’, ‘Moscatuel’, ‘Autumn Seedless’, ..