Texture of Temperate Fruits

Temperate fruits may be classed into two groups on the basis of their texture. One group comprises fruits that soften greatly as they ripen. These are characterized by a soft melting texture and usually have a relatively short shelf life. The measurement of the texture of these fruits is relatively straightforward. The second group encompasses fruits that soften moderately as they ripen. These are characterized by a firm, crisp, fracturable texture and have a relatively long storage life. The measurement of their texture poses a number of complex problems. Some factors that affect the firmness of temperate fruits are the kind, size, variety, maturity and temperature of the fruit, and cultural factors.