Some Engineering Properties of Four African Date Palm Fruit Cultivars (original) (raw)

Effect of storage duration on some physical properties of date palm (cv. Stamaran)

Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 2015

Most of the date fruits are processed traditionally in Iran. It becomes imperative to characterize the fruits with a view of understanding the properties that may affect the design of machines to handle their processing. The objectives of this study were to find the basic physical properties of date fruit at different storage time. Some physical properties of the Iranian Stamaran date variety were measured at the tamr stage of maturity for pitted dates during 6 months storage (25°C of temperature and 75% of humidity). The results showed that length of the samples decreased by 8.31% from 39.21 to 35.95 mm, and no significant change for width and thickness. Mean mass and volume of the fruit did not change significantly. The projected area along length (P L) did not change significantly, but projected areas along width (P W) and along thickness (P T) decreased by 4.26% from 647.41 to 619.8, and 8.32% from 666.89 to 611.43 mm 2 , respectively. The fruit density, bulk density, porosity and sphericity did not change significantly. The geometric mean diameter and surface area decreased by 5.01%, from 25.53 to 24.25 mm, and 9.57%, from 2049.3 to 1853.1 mm 2 , respectively. The mean coefficients of static friction increased significantly from 0.36 to 0.38, 0.33 to 0.35 and 0.42 to 0.45 on steel, galvanized iron, and plywood, respectively.

FRUIT PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DATE PALM CULTIVARS GROWN IN THREE LIBYAN OASES

Oases of Jalo, Aujla and Ejkara are the most important areas of date palm cutivation in Libya. The most common twenty date palm cultivars grown in these oases are: Saidi, Tediss, Agadi, Jadag, Msleo, Masmot, Saifi, Rattab, Saltany, Mosrum, Brolsi, Degla, Hamra, Omdiab, Omeltai, Azwa, Filfil, Nakfosh, Nefaik and Helwa. The statistical analysis showed the significance of the fruit physical properties ( fruit weight, fruit dimensions, seed weight, seed dimensions, flesh weight and flesh width) in differentiation between these cultivars both in rutab and tamar stages.

Some Physical properties of Date Fruit (cv. Lasht)

Agricultural Engineering International : The CIGR e-journal

A b s t r a c t. Most of the date fruit processing methods employed are still traditional. It becomes imperative to characterize the fruits with a view to understand the properties that may affect the design of machines to handle their processing. Objectives of this study are to present basic principles of physical properties of date fruit (cv. Dairi) in order to facilitate the design of some machines for its processing. Dry-basis moisture content of date fruit was found to be 10.45% (10.88% for pitted dates and 7.87% for their pits). Other results showed that linear dimensions varied from 29.8 to 40.2 mm in length, 15.7 to 20.2 mm in width, and 15 to 19.7 mm in thickness. Mean mass and volume of fruit were measured as 5.30 g and 5.49 cm 3 , respectively. The projected areas along length (P L ), width (P W ) and thickness (P T ) were 262.71, 498.1, and 513.1 mm 2 , respectively. The fruit density and pitted fruit density were measured as 0.97 and 1.18 g cm -3 , while bulk density and porosity were 0.49 g cm -3 and 49.14%, respectively. The geometric mean diameter, sphericity and surface area were obtained as 22.38 mm, 0.63, and 1577.84 mm 2 , respectively. The mean coefficients of static friction were measured as 0.27, 0.32 and 0.4 on plywood, galvanized iron steel, and glass surfaces, respectively. K e y w o r d s: date fruit, dimensions, physical properties, post-harvest processing

Prediction of the toughness of date palm fruit

Scientific Reports, 2025

This study aimed to predict the toughness of date palm fruit (Barhi, Saqie, and Khodry varieties) at different ripening stages (Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar) using Hertz Theory by evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of the fruits. Physical measurements revealed that high moisture content in the Khalal stage led to larger dimensions and mass across all varieties, with Barhi dates showing a moisture content of 63.31%, which decreased to 32.60% at Rutab as the fruit dehydrated. This moisture reduction also impacted other characteristics, such as bulk density, volume, and flesh thickness, resulting in a concentrated, denser structure in the Tamar stage. Mechanical analysis demonstrated significant softening in all varieties as they transitioned from Khalal to Rutab stages, with Barhi dates’ modulus of elasticity dropping from 548.83 to 16.72 kPa. Similarly, bioyield and rupture stress decreased, highlighting the influence of moisture loss on textural characteristics. Saqie and Khodry varieties followed similar trends, with initial softening from Khalal to Rutab, and a slight firmness increase at Tamar due to dehydration. The force-deformation curves and toughness measurements confirmed these findings, showing significant reductions in toughness from Khalal to Rutab, with a slight increase in Tamar. These results underscore the pronounced textural and structural changes as dates ripen, influencing their suitability for different applications. Also, the measured toughness (τm) closely aligned with predicted toughness (τp), with significant textural differences observed across varieties and ripening stages. For all varieties, the τp is approximately 0.00–9.24% lower than the τm. Finally, the derived equation can be used with enough confidence to theoretically predict the toughness of date palm fruit.

The Elasticity Characteristics of Palm Date

Misr journal of agricultural engineering, 2011

The aim of this research work was to determine the physical and elasticity characteristics of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) cv Sukari. The physical characteristic included the date mass, volume, dimensions, moisture content, bulk density, flesh thickness, projected area, and elasticity of fruits, also seed mass and volume. Meanwhile, the elasticity characteristics of fruit included the stiffness coefficient (sc), bioyield stress (σb), rupture stress (σr) and Young's modulus of elasticity (E). The results showed that a good correlation was found between the sc and other properties; σb, σr and E. Also, the average values of sc, σb, σr and E were 0.017 N/mm,

Physico-chemical Characterization, Classification and Quality Evaluation of Date Palm Fruits of some Moroccan Cultivars

Journal of Scientific Research, 2010

Fourteen native date cultivars from different oases and regions of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were examined for their approximate composition, water activity, and CIELAB parameters. Sugars were the predominant component in all studied date cultivars (~ 54.14 - 75.56 g/100g dry matter), followed by moisture content (~7.2 - 31.9%), along with small amount of protein (~1.9 - 3.3g/100g dry matter), fat (~ 0.1 - 0.44g/100g dry matter), and ash (~1.88 - 3.45g/100 g dry matter). Dates with early maturity had the highest water activity (0.78 - 0.87) in contrast to late maturing dates cultivars. In the Deglet Nour (Tunisia) and Aziza bouzid (Morocco) cultivars, sucrose is dominant, whereas, the majority of other cultivars were rich in fructose and glucose in comparable proportions. No significant changes were observed in the approximate composition of samples of different geographical origins. All cultivars show significant differences in color. The date with late maturity (from Assiane, A...

Comparative Study of Some Semi-Dry Arabian Date Palm Cultivars Grown in Mounofia Governorate

Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016

his study was carried out through 2014 and 2015 to study the performance of four Arabian semi-dry date cultivars produced through tissue culture namely: "Zahdi", "Sakai", "Medjool", and "Khalas" grown in El-Khatatba region, Mounofia governorate, Egypt in comparison with the commercial semi-dry cv. "Sewy" (as a local cultivar). The study involved the flowed assessed parameters, dates of the first and last spathe emergence and bursting, fruit set and fruit retention %, date of harvest, number of bunches/palm and average yield per palm, as well as physical and chemical properties of fruits. Emergence and bursting of spathe of "Medjool" and "Khalas"occurred early, followed by "Sewy" and "Zahdi" while "Sakai"cv. came last. Harvesting of all tested cultivars was done on the first week of October. Regarding the yield, highest yield was obtained from"Madjool" palms in comparison with other tested cvs. followed by "Sewy" and "Zahdi" while it was the lowest with "Sakai" and "Khalas". Also, "Sewy" and"Madjool" palms produced the highest number of bunches /palm while the lowest number of bunches /palm was recorded by "Sakai". With regard to fruit set and fruit retention % "Medjool" cv. attained the highest percentage of fruit set and fruit retention% while "Khalas" was the lowest cultivar in this respect. Concerning physical properties, data proved the superiority of "Medjool"fruits in weight, dimensions and flesh/fruit weight% meanwhile"Sakai" fruits were the opposite. As for chemical properties, moisture content in fruits was the highest in "Sakai" fruits and lowest in "Khalas". Data proved the superiority of "Sakai" and "Madjool" in T.S.S% and total sugars content. Results showed also that most of these sugars were reducing sugars. Regarding tannins content, the differences between tested cultivars did not reach the level of significance. General evaluation revealed that "Madjool"cv. proved to be the superior cv. in yield and fruit quality among all the studied cvs., followed by "Sewy" cultivar which ranked the second in both total score units of yield and fruit quality, while "Khalas" and "Sakai"cvs.had the lowest score in general evaluation due to receiving the lowest score units specified for yield. However, fruit quality of these cvs.was lower than of the standard cultivar ("Sewy"). In addition, " Zahdi" cv. seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was less than that of "Sewy"cv. Thus, one can conclude that"Medjool" and T COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOME SEMI-DRY ARABIAN DATE PALM CULTIVARS GROWN IN MOUNOFIA GOVERNORATE 860 "Sewy" cvs. proved to be the superior cvs. in yield and fruit quality. However "Zahdi" cv. seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was lower than the standard cv. "Sewy". On the other hand,"Sakai "cv. showed lower palm yield but fruit quality was reasonable for consumer, but, it was generally lower than of "Sewy" cultivar.

Physicochemical characteristics and total quality of five date varieties grown in the United Arab Emirates

International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2006

Five date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties, commonly grown in the UAE, were studied for their chemical composition, physical, mechanical and rheological properties. All measurements were made at the ‘tamr’ stage, the final stage of fruit ripeness. Samples were analysed for sugar, moisture, protein, ash and mineral element contents. Physical measurements as well as mechanical and rheological measurements of the fruit including pitting pressure, shear pressure, and modulus of elasticity were also carried out. Significant differences were observed in the characteristics that were studied, allowing for distinguishable grades among the five varieties. Chemical and physical characteristics of the fruits influenced their mechanical and rheological properties, which in turn can be indicators of firmness and ultimately of quality. Results from this work revealed new and essential information for better understanding of the date fruit that helps to enhance industrialisation and propagation of the best date varieties that satisfy producers’ as well as consumers’ demands.

Elastic properties of three varieties of date Fruits during three different ripening stages

The aim of this research work was to determine the physical and elastic properties of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) cv (Talees, Khudari and Taghit) during three ripening stages (Khalaal, Rutab and Tamr) to develop a technique that can predict the packing height to protect fruits from mechanical damage. The physical properties include date mass, volume, dimensions, moisture content, bulk density, flesh thickness, and kernel mass. The elastic properties of date fruit include Young's modulus of elasticity (E), firmness coefficient (FC), bioyield stress (σb), bioyield strain (εb), rupture stress (σr), rupture strain (εr) and rupture energy (RE). For different varieties, the results showed that ripening stages have a significant effect on physical and elasticity properties. The values of E, FC, σb, σr and RE were decreased from Khalaal to Rutab stage, while they increased from Rutab to Tamr stage. Accordingly, the maximum heights of packing box were 141, 106, and 121 mm for Talees, Khudari and Taghit respectively.