Comparison of the mass tissue strength of strawberry fruit between vertical and horizontal compaction

Abstract

Strawberries have very thin skin that is prone to damage during post-harvest handling. The strength of this fruit mass tissue has a difference between vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the strength of the strawberry mass tissue between vertical and horizontal directions using a compressive test at different speeds and compressibility levels. The research was conducted by placing a load on the sample from the vertical and horizontal directions. The variations in compression speed were 2, 4, and 6 mm/s, and the compressibility levels were 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30%, respectively. The results showed that the compacting from the vertical direction obtained a combined mechanical response between the fruit structure and mass tissue cells, while from the horizontal direction the mechanical response was only obtained from the fruit structure. Along with the duration of the compacting, mass tissue damage has started to occur. In this phase, the fruit cells begin to break down in the skin causing the mass tissue damage to decrease. The results of this study can be used to develop a more efficient and effective packaging model for strawberries that has never been disclosed before.