Brix Density Measurement
Jam is loved by many for its rich and fine-tuned taste, where the unique fruit aroma is balanced with sweetness. However, too high or low sugar content impacts its flavor. The Brix is a key indicator that not only affects the taste, texture, and shelf life of jam, but is also closely related to its quality and nutritional value. Let’s dive into this important concept.
01 What is Brix and Brix Degree?
Brix (°Bx) refers to the percentage concentration of sugar in a solution. It often represents the soluble solid content of a product in the citrus industry. The measurement of Brix is widely applied in horticulture, where it is used to determine the ripeness of fruits — the higher the brix degree is, the riper fruits are. The Brix degree is determined using a refractometer, which measures the sugar concentration in a 100g sucrose solution.
The Brix degree indicates the soluble solid content in a solution simply, usually expressed in the form of sucrose percentage. It reflects the sugar content in jam, impacting taste and status.
02 How Does Brix Value Affect Jam?
1️⃣ Impact on taste: The Brix value plays a decisive role in jam flavor. A lower Brix results in a mild taste with insufficient sweetness, while an excessively high Brix can make the jam overly sweet, masking the natural fruit flavors. A well-balanced Brix ensures a sweet-tart taste, creating a pleasant eating experience.
2️⃣ Impact on texture: Different fruits contain varying sugar levels, making Brix an essential factor in jam consistency. The right sugar concentration helps form a stable gel structure, giving the jam the ideal thickness and stability.
3️⃣ Impact on shelf life: Since the Brix value represents the percentage of sucrose in jam, a higher sugar concentration helps inhibit microbial growth, thereby extending the product’s shelf life.
03 How to Measure the Brix Value in Jam
Brix value plays a crucial role in jam production. The two most common measurement methods are:
Refractometer Method: Uses the refraction angle of light in different concentration solutions to determine the Brix value. It is a quick and easy method.
Density Method: Determines Brix by measuring the density of the solution, offering high accuracy.
04 Application of Lonnmeter Inline Density Meter in Jam Production
In jam production, the Lonnmeter Inline Density Meter provides an efficient and precise solution for sugar concentration control:
✅ Real-time monitoring: The inline density meter continuously measures jam density and Brix value, allowing producers to adjust sugar content in real-time to ensure product consistency.
✅ Automated control: Integrated with production equipment, it enables automatic Brix adjustments, improving efficiency and product quality.
✅ Quality assurance: Accurate Brix data ensures optimal taste, texture, and shelf life for jam products.
Conclusion
Brix value is a critical parameter in jam production and quality control. By using scientific measurement methods such as refractometers and density meters, along with modern technology like the Lonnmeter Inline Density Meter, producers can precisely control sugar levels to create high-quality jam with rich flavor, stable texture, and a longer shelf life. Understanding the significance of Brix value and its measurement is essential for improving jam quality.
Post time: Feb-07-2025
