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
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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