Electrical Tongue to Test Juice Quality

We do not drink juice only for their rich flavor and texture. We also drink them for their nutritional value. Juices made in masticating juicers that prevent them from getting oxidized have high content of antioxidants. Fruits like cherries, strawberries, apples and other along with vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants. But how do you know the level of antioxidant and other quality parameter in your juice. Well, you can do so. A team of Spanish researchers from the Centre for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM) and the CUINA group of the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain have invented an electrical tongue that can do the analysis. This is computer software that can test the anti-oxidant power in the juice.

The researchers have used the  eletrical tongue in testing the various antioxidant solutions like absorbic acid, citric acid and malic acid. According to them the result was quite satisfactory. Now how does the software determine the level of antioxidants? Well, it is done by applying the principle of voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Electric signals are applied to the solution and the response is measured. These quantify the antioxidant concentration in that solution.

Electronic tongue has been called a useful invention to determine the quality of food products. It does it quite fast and is economic compared to traditional methods of analysis.  Besides this the electronic tongue can also detect the presence and level of glyphosate in the juice. Glyphosate is weed killer which is often used in orchards, vineyards and farm land to protect produces from weed and pests. As a result when we buy fruits or vegetables they are likely to have the chemical on them. Therefore it is always recommended to clean them thoroughly.