Using °Brix as an Indicator of Vegetable Quality: Linking Measured Values to Crop Management

C quality is important to fruit and vegetable growers, buyers, and handlers. °Brix readings indicate soluble solids content. Since soluble solids represent a product’s potential sweetness (an aspect of quality), °Brix readings can interest many throughout the value chain. Three steps are required to make effective use of °Brix readings: (1) obtain accurate representative values; (2) become familiar with other representative values for similar crops; and (3) if needed, adjust management practices according to how they may affect °Brix values of your crops, using proven approaches. Four fact sheets have been prepared to guide vegetable farmers, buyers, and handlers in using °Brix as an indicator of crop quality. This Linking fact sheet provides reference information on representative °Brix values and how they are influenced by crop management. Equipped with this information, vegetable suppliers should be better prepared to make effective use of °Brix measurement in their operation. However, the Overview fact sheet provides important background information on °Brix, outlines its application in horticultural crop production, and describes the benefits and limitations of measuring °Brix during vegetable production and marketing. Two other fact sheets provide specific instructions for the taking of °Brix readings in five vegetable crops.