APPLE BRUISE ASSESSMENT THROUGH ELECTRICAL-IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS

Electrical impedance measurements were used to assess the amount of br uising sustained by a 'Granny Smith' apple, and to monitor the develop ment of the bruises over time. A bruise index was developed to quantif y the severity of bruising. It was found that the bruise index could d istinguish apples bruised to different levels and that there was no si gnificant change in the impedance properties of the apple after the in itial damage had occurred. The method described here may have a potent ial use in assessing fruit bruises.