Use of refractometer to determine soluble solids of astringent fruits of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kakiL.)

SummaryA method was developed to determine soluble solids refractometrically in astringent Japanese persimmon fruits with a high soluble tannin content. Adding 5% PEG # 6000 to the fruit juice in equal amount followed by centrifugation or filtration removed interfering tannins effectively from the mixture by forming precipitates. The refractometer readings were taken with the resultant solution and 2.5% PEG # 6000 and then the refractometer sugar value of the original juice was calculated by multiplying by two the difference of the two readings. The calculated value approximated closely to the total sugar content of juice.