Citrus Brix & Acidity Meter | ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1. Ref. 7101

Nº 7101

The Master Kit is specifically designed for measuring citric acid and Brix degrees, and includes everything needed for easy, precise, and accurate measurements.

The Master Kit comes with a scale, a beaker, and a measuring spoon.

Specifications:

Common specifications:

• Sample Temperature: 10 to 40°C
• Ambient Temperature: 10 to 40°C
• Sample Volume: 0.2mL
• Measurement Time: About 3 seconds
• Backlight: The backlight stays on for 30 seconds after pressing any button.
• Power Supply: 2 × AAA Batteries
• International Protection Class: IP65
• Dimensions and Weight: 55(a)×31(w)×109(h)mm, 100g (Main unit only)

ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1: Brix, acidity and citrus maturity meter

The ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1 is a portable digital meter specifically designed for measuring Brix, acidity and the sugar/acid ratio in citrus fruit.

With a single instrument, users can measure soluble solids (°Brix) and total acidity expressed as citric acid, while also displaying the sugar/acid ratio.

This makes the PAL-BX/ACID1 particularly useful for monitoring the maturity of oranges, mandarins, clementines, lemons and other citrus fruits during growing, harvesting, incoming inspection and storage.

What does the ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1 measure?

• °Brix: soluble solids content.
• Total acidity: expressed as citric acid.
• Sugar/acid ratio: displayed by the instrument.

Measuring both Brix and acidity with one instrument simplifies quality control and provides rapid information on the balance between sweetness and acidity in citrus fruit.

Citrus maturity index measurement

As citrus fruit ripens, the balance between sugars and acids progressively changes. The sugar/acid ratio is therefore an important parameter used to assess fruit maturity and sensory quality.

The PAL-BX/ACID1 simplifies this process by measuring Brix and acidity and displaying the corresponding sugar/acid ratio.

Citrus maturity and European marketing standards

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2429 establishes marketing standards and minimum maturity requirements for fresh citrus fruit marketed in the European Union.

Depending on the citrus type and variety, maturity requirements may include:

• minimum juice content;
• minimum soluble solids or °Brix where applicable;
• minimum sugar/acid ratio;
• fruit colouring.

Examples of citrus maturity requirements

The ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1 is therefore a particularly useful instrument for rapid Brix, acidity and sugar/acid ratio monitoring in citrus fruit.

Important: the sugar/acid ratio is not the only regulatory requirement

The sugar/acid ratio alone does not cover all of the requirements used to assess the commercial conformity of citrus fruit.

Depending on the fruit and variety, other parameters such as minimum juice content and colouring may also need to be assessed using the applicable control procedures.

The PAL-BX/ACID1 should therefore be considered a quality control and measurement instrument and does not, on its own, certify compliance with all applicable European marketing requirements.

Benefits of the ATAGO PAL-BX/ACID1

• Measures Brix and acidity with one instrument.
• Displays the sugar/acid ratio.
• Specifically designed for citrus fruit.
• Total acidity expressed as citric acid.
• Requires only approximately 0.2 ml of sample.
• Measurement time of approximately 3 seconds.
• Portable, compact and easy to use.
• IP65 protection.
• Suitable for growers, packing houses, warehouses and quality control laboratories.

Applications

• Citrus maturity monitoring.
• Brix and acidity measurement in oranges and mandarins.
• Sugar/acid ratio measurement.
• Monitoring fruit maturity before harvest.
• Incoming fruit inspection.
• Quality control in citrus packing facilities.
• Citrus growers and agricultural cooperatives.
• Food and agricultural laboratories.

Frequently asked questions about the PAL-BX/ACID1

Does the PAL-BX/ACID1 measure citrus maturity?

The instrument measures Brix and acidity and displays the sugar/acid ratio, one of the parameters used to assess citrus fruit maturity.

Can it be used for oranges and mandarins?

Yes. The PAL-BX/ACID1 is specifically designed for citrus analysis and is suitable for oranges, mandarins, clementines, lemons and other citrus fruits within its measurement ranges.

Does it display the sugar/acid ratio directly?

Yes. The instrument can display the sugar/acid ratio based on the measurements taken.