Characterisation of physical, mechanical and colour properties of Muntingia calabura fruits

Abstract

Abstract Physical, mechanical and colour properties are necessary parameters in the handling and processing of Muntingia calabura fruits. The study aimed to form physical, mechanical and colour database for Muntingia calabura fruits. Results of the study found that the polar and equatorial diameter ranged from 14.30±0.99 mm and 15.51±0.98 mm, respectively. The weight and the volume were 2.49±0.39 g and 1.12±0.21 cm3, respectively. The particle density, bulk density and porosity ranged 0.97±0,10 g/cm3, 0.57±0.03 gr/cm3 and 40.90±6.59% respectively. The average skin strength and elasticity of the average moisture content of 80.79 ± 0.50 % were 309.60±80.89 g-forces and 38.83±1.63 mm, respectively. The angle of repose on the surface of the acrylic, aluminium, stainless steel and plywood was 23.45±5.390, 24.20±4.770, 25.66±5.000 and 25.93±7.850 respectively with the static friction of 0.44±0.12, 0.45±0.10, 0.49±0.11, and 0.50±0.17 respectively. The coordinate CIE L*a*b* c* and h* of the average colour of samples was 44.914±5.011, 30.274±4.055, 10.460±2.787, 32.288±2.722 and 0.008±0.004.