Reporting of Objective Color Measurements

Abstract

The analysis of color is frequently an im- portant consideration when determining the efficacy of a variety of postharvest treat- ments. Consumers can easily be influenced by preconceived ideas of how a particular fruit or vegetable should appear, and mar- keters often attempt to improve upon what nature has painted. In spite of the signifi- cance of color in our work, however, many researchers continue to analyze this charac- teristic inappropriately. The confusion that results is unnecessary; easily computed and readily understood measures are available to clarify color descriptions for researchers and marketers alike.