Influencing Citrus Quality

There is a number variables that define citrus quality requirements. Quality standards differ depending on the citrus type, growth region and the market.

Citrus External Appearance

Crop fertilizer practices have a strong influence on external fruit quality including peel thickness, color and the amount of splitting or blemishes.

The degree and level os these external factors can make a big difference to crop price and marketability.

Acceptable size and grade varies according to market and most countries set their minimum standards. Splitting, creasing and other physiological disorders are undesirable.

Citrus Taste and Juice Content

Flavor and taste are related to the level of Total Soluble Solids (TSS), acidity and the amount of aromatic or bitter flavors in the fruit.

Although yield is often the main focus when growing citrus for processing, juice quality is also important and crops are assessed for TSS and acidity.

The TSS/acid ratio provides an indication of the taste of the fruit - sweet or bitter. The lower the TSS/acid ratio the more sweeteners are added to achieve acceptable taste and sweetened juices are labeled as such and receive lower prices.

Juice color is also important and countries have specified color range scores that are required for premium marketability.