Measurement of Pea Tenderness

Abstract

The effect of pendulum inertia on Pea Tenderometer readings was examined by recording the pendulum angle and the torque that it applies to the peas during a test. The effect was significant at the critical point in the test cycle where the torque is at a maximum. It was concluded that this affects the standardization of the Tenderometer.

MEASUREMENT OF PEA TENDERNESS: III. Field Comparison of Several Methods of Measurement*

“…Methods used to measure pea tenderness were reviewed in a previous paper (Voisey and Nonnecke, 1972a). Those selected for testing here were governed by these findings and the prevailing commercial conditions in Ontario where the pea tenderometer is used exclusively.…”

MEASUREMENT OR PEA, TENDERNESS II: A Review of Methods*

“…The tenderometer is now widely used by the pea industry, but many workers have observed that the instrument is not completely reliable. Recent work (Voisey and Nonnecke, 1971 ;1972) has indicated that the differences between some tenderometers are serious and that interchangeability between machines may be difficult to achieve. A major drawback is that the shearing blades are built into the machine and replacement is costly.…”

“…In the case of the Pea Tenderometer, the means by which the instrument is standardized have been laid down and are directed towards proper maintenance of the mechanical components and checking the sensitivity of the force indicating system. Recent work (Voisey and Nonnecke, 1971;1972) has shown that, in spite of official inspections (Field, 1967;Anon., 1970d), these methods are not sufficiently adequate to ensure standardization of all tenderometers in a given region. This is because the calibration techniques specified do not cover the over-all performance of the instrument.…”

“…(1961) investigated the use of paper and 1.6 mm thick asbestos sheets for standardizing the Maturometer and concluded that this was satisfactory. Staley (1970) and Voisey and Nonnecke (1971;1972) used microcrystalline wax to standardize Pea Tenderometers. This work recognized the effect of the quantity and temperature of the wax used, but did not take into account its rheological properties.…”

“…The custom of paying the grower by weight of peas according to a scale based on tenderness is followed in many areas. The Pea Tenderometer has been widely used for this purpose, but it is difficult to standardize (Voisey and Nonnecke, 1971). The purpose here is to describe the methods used to measure pea tenderness and to provide a perspective of the current situation as a background for consideration of alternative methods and their applicability to commercial operations.…”