ABSTRACT
The availability of commercial near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy instrumentation and its use have progressed rapidly over the past decade for a wide cross-section of applications. The use of NIR spectroscopy for fruits, vegetables, and other high moisture crops, however, has been slow to develop. The recent availability of commercial on-line instruments using either laser or incandescent light sources has set the stage for a major impact on internal quality assessment and quality improvement in the fruit and vegetable industry. The theory of utilizing NIR spectroscopy for high moisture products, on-line instrument components and configuration, product selection, and predictive accuracy are critiqued. NIR spectroscopic quality assessment of high moisture crops is potentially a multimillion dollar a year industry that will translate into improved product quality for consumers.
