The Prediction of Fruit Bruising from Fruit, Packaging and Handling Studies

A method of predicting package performance (bruise protection) is described. The effects of fruit and package properties are related to handling hazards. There is a strong relationship between energy absorbed and bruising in apple packs. The dynamic behaviour of multilayered apple packs is described and a method of predicting the energy distribution between layers is presented. Handling hazards are defined in terms of the probable heights and number of drops, derived from the number and types of handlings. An eight step procedure for predicting bruising is given, so that a trade-off between bruising, package and handling costs can be achieved.