Refractometer recommendations

[durianwriter]

I want to purchase a refractometer for my next durian scouting trip in Asia. I'm interested in the way some of the "bitter" or more pungent durians that don't taste as sweet seem to be as high or even higher in sugar than the insipidly sweet durians. I want to test it out and see which durian varieties are actually the highest in sugar.

Are there multiple kinds of refractometers, and which will work better for durian flesh? I understand that they work with liquid  - will mushed up durian be thin enough or will I have to add water, and wouldn't diluting the sugar be kind of besides the point? Should I buy one in Asia, or is it something I should try to pick up before I leave Australia?

Thanks for the tips! Appreciate it 

[fruitlovers]

Was discussed a bit before. Check here:
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=110.msg1591#msg1591

[durianwriter]

Thanks for the link! Do you think for durian the digital refractometer might work better than the optical?

[Mark in Texas]

I have a vineyard and use it constantly come harvest time.  This is the one I have. Cheap but very rugged and accurate. Same one would cost you triple from a wine/beer supply store.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Hand-Held-Fruit-Juice-Wine-Sugar-Test-Brix-Wort-Refractometer-W-ATC-0-32-/400624360999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d47129e27

[durianwriter]

Thanks Mark! Do you happen to know how it works with things with thick consistency (like durian). I may be vastly misunderstanding something but it seems to me that if I diluted with water I would also be changing the sugar density.

[Mark in Texas]

Thanks Mark! Do you happen to know how it works with things with thick consistency (like durian). I may be vastly misunderstanding something but it seems to me that if I diluted with water I would also be changing the sugar density.

Consistency is not an issue.  I test most any fruit.  As long as you can squeeze about 2 drops of juice on the glass lens you're good to go.   A little pulp isn't going to hurt.  I test brix, sugar, and it is about as accurate as using a high quality hydrometer.   To give you an idea of sweetness, my grapes at harvest are super sweet, like 25 brix.  A very well ripened orange will come in around 15. 

[durianwriter]

Cool, thanks for the tips

[jcaldeira]

Be sure to buy a refractometer that is suited to the range of sugars you are trying to measure.  There are so many different ranges sold.  For instance, a refractometer sold for measuring honey is calibrated to measure sugars between 75% and 88% (approx.), whereas one for sugar cane might measure sugars of 5%-18%.  The cheapest handheld ones are hard to read unless you're in sunlight or near a strong lamp.

[fruitlovers]

Lindsay, i would suggest you consult with some of the specialist and researchers of durian. Try asking Dr. Salakpetch in Chantaburi, Thailand. As you know, squeezing drops of juice out of durian fruits is not so easy. There may be special types of refractometers designed for fruits with thick consistency. Also like John said, you need to get one in the right sugar range.

[Mark in Texas]

Lindsay, i would suggest you consult with some of the specialist and researchers of durian. Try asking Dr. Salakpetch in Chantaburi, Thailand. As you know, squeezing drops of juice out of durian fruits is not so easy. There may be special types of refractometers designed for fruits with thick consistency. Also like John said, you need to get one in the right sugar range.

If you have a durian that exceeds 32* brix, I want some of dat fruit.  Me and the good doctor can start up a sugar processing factory, "the natural way".     

The product I linked him is what he needs.    It only takes 2 drops of juice on the lens which you smear with your finger, close the lid, then hold up to the light.   Curious, for the folks who have opined, what refractometer do you own?

[fruitlovers]

Try squeezing drops of juice out of an avocado. Now you maybe get the picture?    How well does your refractometer work on avocado?

[Mark in Texas]

Try squeezing drops of juice out of an avocado. Now you maybe get the picture?    How well does your refractometer work on avocado?

How well does your hot iron work on a dog bed?

[jcaldeira]

A garlic crusher is effective for extracting a few drops from many fruit.

Last year I read a website about measuring oil content in avocado by dehydrating the flesh and measuring the remaining solids and oil.   I wonder if a similar method could be used to compare sugar content in fruits, since sugars are solids and won't evaporate out.  It wouldn't yield a BRIX number without calibration, but would be useful when comparing cultivars of a fruit.

[durianwriter]

Lindsay, i would suggest you consult with some of the specialist and researchers of durian. Try asking Dr. Salakpetch in Chantaburi, Thailand. As you know, squeezing drops of juice out of durian fruits is not so easy. There may be special types of refractometers designed for fruits with thick consistency. Also like John said, you need to get one in the right sugar range.

That's a great idea. Thanks Oscar!

Be sure to buy a refractometer that is suited to the range of sugars you are trying to measure.  There are so many different ranges sold.  For instance, a refractometer sold for measuring honey is calibrated to measure sugars between 75% and 88% (approx.), whereas one for sugar cane might measure sugars of 5%-18%.  The cheapest handheld ones are hard to read unless you're in sunlight or near a strong lamp.

Thanks for the tip. I figured there was something more complicated going on. I'll have to find out what a normal brix is for durian, as I honestly have no idea. Seems to be a gap in my knowledge!

[fruitlovers]

This page about making durian wine says durian brix can be as high as 38
http://www.thelocalnose.com/index.php/wine-reads/blog/durian-wine-a-the-unthinkable-made-possible.html
Morton says that of 100 grams durian contains 12 grams of sugar, so also quite high.

[Mark in Texas]

This page about making durian wine says durian brix can be as high as 38
http://www.thelocalnose.com/index.php/wine-reads/blog/durian-wine-a-the-unthinkable-made-possible.html
Morton says that of 100 grams durian contains 12 grams of sugar, so also quite high.

"Can be".  The article appears embellished.  For example, any one making wine out of a Cab. Sauvignon at 28* doesn't know what they're doing. 

I bought mine off Ebay and it registers to 40* brix.  Model #RHW-25ATC.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RHW-25-ATC-0-40-Brix-Grape-Alcohol-Portable-Refractometer-Tester-Baume-New-/191018700490?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c799a0eca

You don't need a dropper and all that stuff.  Just get some juice on your fingers, rub the lens, drop the cover and look see.

[Mark in Texas]

I figured there was something more complicated going on.

It's about as complicated as folks want to make it out to be.   

Mark