OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF FIRMNESS IN CUCUMBERS AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

The consumer evaluates firmness of cucurbit vegetables (e.g., melons or cucumbers) by hand test, reasonably considering excessively soft or flaccid produce as aged or spoiled. The hand firmness test is a necessary part of quality inspection in these vegetables. However, this method is subjective and its reliability depends greatly on the skills of the evaluator. The aim of these trials was to find an objective method reflecting mechanical properties of cucumbers and to test the applicability of this method for evaluating quality and the physiological status of the produce.