What Is a Saccharimeter?
A saccharimeter is an instrument that measures sugar content by utilizing the property that the refractive index differs depending on the sugar concentration.
It is also called a densitometer or refractometer. There are various types of saccharimeters, including analog or digital types, and types that measure sugar content without damaging the crop.
Uses of Saccharimeters
Saccharimeters are used to measure the sugar content of various crops and foods, including fruits and vegetables. When used by farmers, they can measure the sugar content and maturity of crops and determine when to harvest crops of optimal quality.
This reduces waste and loss of over-ripe or under-ripe produce. Non-destructive saccharimeters can measure the sugar content of fruit on the tree as it is. Because they do not damage the crop, they are often used before harvest.
Saccharimeters can also be used by researchers and medical professionals to obtain accurate data when considering the effects of food on metabolism. Many digital saccharimeters, such as pen-shaped types, measure sugar content by dipping the measuring device into a sample, making them useful for analyzing the sugar content of home-cooked or processed foods. Handheld saccharimeters can also be used as a theme for children’s free research.
Features of Saccharimeters
Advantages
1. Analog Type
The analog type is the most inexpensive and easy-to-use saccharimeter. It is widely used in restaurants, fruit and vegetable stores, confectionery shops, and at home. Its advantage is that it does not require a power supply and is portable. It is also suitable for people who use it only occasionally for experiments or free research.
2. Digital Type
Digital meters are more expensive than their analog counterparts, but their advantage is that they are easy to understand and accurate, as they display numerical values on the display. They are ideal for farmers who need to know the sugar content of their crops, or for sick people who need to detect the minute sugar content in food.
With temperature compensation, hot liquids can also be measured. The digital type is available in two types: a pocket type and a pen type.
3. Non-Destructive Type
The major advantage of the non-destructive type is that it can measure the sugar content in the tree.
Disadvantages
1. Analog Type
The disadvantage of the analog type is that it requires familiarity in reading the scale and is prone to measurement errors.
2. Digital Type
The disadvantage of the digital type is that it generally requires more reagents than the analog type. They also require battery replacement and are often more expensive.
3. Non-Destructive Type
The disadvantage of the non-destructive type is that it is easily affected by the ambient temperature and the amount of light because it measures the crop surface by irradiating it with near-infrared light. When using the nondestructive type, care must be taken in the environment in which it is used.
Types of Saccharimeters
Saccharimeters can be broadly classified into the following three types
1. Analog Saccharimeter
Analog saccharimeters do not require battery replacement and are less prone to electronic malfunctions. They are the most affordable of the three types, starting at around 2,000 yen per unit, making them easy to install. They are portable and can be used anywhere. Saccharimeters are also recommended for those who plan to use them only occasionally.
2. Digital Saccharimeter
Digital saccharimeters do not require you to read the scale yourself. Easy to operate and quick to measure, this saccharimeter is suitable for those who use it frequently.
If you choose a product with a temperature compensation function, it will accurately measure even hot liquids. Pen-type meters are portable, and many measurement methods can be selected, such as inserting or dipping the pen tip into the sample. Digital saccharimeters come in a variety of types, including those with data storage, long-lasting battery design, and the ability to wash the entire unit after measurement.
3. Non-Destructive Saccharimeter
As the name suggests, this saccharimeter can measure the sugar content of fruits and vegetables without damaging them. By exposing them to near-infrared rays, sugar content is measured while they are still on the tree. However, it is important to have a knack for accurately measuring sugar content.
How to Choose a Saccharimeter
There are three types of saccharimeters, and the key to choosing the right one is to select the one that fits the purpose of use. If you want to purchase an affordable saccharimeter, an analog type is recommended. Since you have to read the scale yourself, it may take longer to get the result or there may be errors in the measurement, but it has the minimum necessary functions.
If your goal is to make measurements quickly and accurately, choose a digital type. They are more expensive than their analog counterparts, but they are more accurate and can be used with optional features.
It is also important to confirm in advance what kind of measurement is needed, as the range of sugar content measurement differs from saccharimeter to saccharimeter. If the scale range is 0 to 80%, a wide range can be measured.