NIR for grapes, to detect a wide range of chemicals in an easy way

Many chemical components in grapes are monitored. Besides the usual total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) that are measured in all fruits, chemicals that give flavor are also measured. These include anthocyanin, total polyphenols, and many minerals. Traditionally, grape samples were collected and transported to laboratories for analysis. These methods were time-consuming, expensive, and involved the use of chemicals. Portable devices that have miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are now allowing analysis to be conducted onsite from the vineyards to processing facilities. Grapes meant for winemaking are smaller. They have seeds, thicker skin, and less pulp, but contain more juice, and higher sugar (about 24-26 Brix) and acid content.   Quality parameters in grapesMany chemical components in grapes are monitored. Besides the usual total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) that are measured in all fruits, chemicals that give flavor are also measured. These include anthocyanin, total polyphenols, and many minerals. Traditionally, grape samples were collected and transported to laboratories for analysis. These methods were time-consuming, expensive, and involved the use of chemicals. Portable devices that have miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are now allowing analysis to be conducted onsite from the vineyards to processing facilities. NIR is the part of the light spectrum best suited for use in spectroscopy, and it is used to study the chemical composition and concentration of the various compounds. NIR interacts with the chemical bonds within compounds and helps in precise identification. Chemicals absorb, transmit, or reflect the light, and this interaction is measured by spectrometers; see Figure 1. As NIR spectroscopy can detect a wide range of chemicals in grapes, a single, easy-to-use tool manages to replace an array of complicated laboratory procedures. Based on the results, which are obtained immediately, farmers, suppliers, and processers can make vital management decisions in real-time. Read the complete Felix Instruments post by clicking HERE