Public Service Commission Act, 1997
R 385
Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990)RegulationsRegulations relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Fresh Fruits intended for sale in the Republic of South AfricaPart II : Specific Regulations for Fresh Fruit(h) Watermelons and Melons28. Determination of ripeness |
A calibrated refractometer shall be used for the determination of total soluble solids (TSS) as follows:
| (1) | Take as working sample ten watermelons and melons at random from the inspection sample obtained in accordance with regulation 15; |
| (2) | Bisect the fruit on the longitudinal axis; |
| (3) | Cut a slice out of half of the fruit; |
| (4) | Bisect the slice with a cross cut; |
| (5) | Squeeze two to three drops of juice resulting from the cut on the prism of the refractometer; |
| (6) | Adjust the refractometer reading according to the applicable temperature correction; |
| (7) | Determine the individual readings each of the fruit in the working sample; |
| (8) | The watermelons and melons shall be considered to be ripe if they conform to the minimum TSS. |
Table 11 : Quality Standards
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Quality defect |
Melons |
Watermelons |
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Class 1 and Class 2 |
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Firm, without any signs of softening |
Firm, without any signs of over-maturity (sponginess) |
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Lying marks and pale discoloration shall not exceed 25% of surface area: Provided that purple, black or mouldy spots, insect damage, cracks or soft spots are not present |
Lying marks and pale discoloration shall not exceed 25% of surface area: Provided that purple, black or mouldy spots, insect damage, cracks or soft spots are not present |
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8 |
10 |
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