Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Horticultural Science Research Institute, Date Palm and Tropical Fruits Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)
2 Research Expert, Sugarcane Development Research and Education Institute
3 Research Expert, Horticultural Science Research Institute, Date Palm and Tropical Fruits Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)
Abstract
Due to the significant share of depitted dates in the trade of Samran cultivar, this study aimed to find the optimal preparation conditions for Saomrun fruits for depitting using a needle-cup depitting machine. A full factorial experiment was conducted with four controllable factors of fruit diameter, moisture content, surface treatment, and fruit orientation in a completely randomized design with four replications. The results showed that with proper preparation of date fruits, it was possible to improve all three depitting indices of depitting efficiency, fruit flesh loss, and fruit length change. By controlling the fruit moisture content within the standard value of 18%, proper depitting efficiency alongside minimum fruit flesh loss and length change can be achieved. The mean flesh loss and length change at this moisture level were approximately 5% and 7%, respectively. From the standpoint of reducing fruit stickiness, although rice flour surface treatment showed a relative advantage, the use of vegetable oil is also recommended due to its ease of use and positive effect on fruit appearance. In all tested conditions, inverting the fruit led to better depitting outcomes for Saomrun dates. In overall, controlling the fruit moisture content at 18%, treating the fruits with either rice flour or vegetable oil, and inverting the fruits in the depitting cups can achieve a minimum depitting efficiency of 97.5% for fruit diameters of 16-22 mm, in line with national standards. Given the decline in key indices for larger diameters, further research is recommended to propose suitable solutions or modify the machine design to achieve acceptable values for these parameters.
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