Best Practices to Measure the Color of Tomato Paste

Consumers of food products like tomato paste judge their quality by their color. Appearance relates to freshness and taste, so buyers prefer a product with a standardized, consistent appearance. Following best practices in color measurement allows tomato paste producers to create a product that appeals to customers, influencing sales.

Consider Factors Influencing Color

Before measuring color, determine the factors that influence it. The ripeness of the tomatoes impacts appearance, as the amount of lycopene increases as tomatoes ripen to create a more vibrant red. Other factors, like production methods and storage conditions, lead to variations such as brown or muted hues. Knowing these factors enables producers to adjust their processes based on the measurement results. 

Use the Right Color Measurement Solution

Not all color measurement solutions are equal. For example, visual appearance comparison is imprecise, and results vary based on the observer and lighting conditions. A spectrophotometer is the ideal solution for measurement. It quantifies light to give you a particular numerical value indicating color. 

When choosing a spectrophotometer, note that different models have varying functions. You will need a solution engineered for tomato color measurement that measures spectral data in every processed form, from fresh tomatoes to paste or purée, according to accepted values.

Apply Industry-Standard Color Scales

The most common scale in tomato paste production is the tomato paste score (TPS) originally established by the United States Department of Agriculture. Choose a spectrophotometer capable of quantifying data to compare against this scale. Producers also use TPS measurements to determine grades ranging from Grade A to Substandard.

Follow a Defined Process

Following a specific process helps you achieve more standardized results when measuring tomato paste color with a spectrophotometer. First, prepare the sample by choosing a representative amount and distributing it properly into the sample holder. Fill the sample holder enough to provide a consistent appearance, which promotes higher accuracy.

Before running the spectrophotometer, make sure it is calibrated to factory standards to ensure it will precisely measure and display results. Record the values and compare them against tolerances to assure quality and customer satisfaction.

Find the Ideal Tomato Paste Color Measurement Solution at HunterLab

The best way to measure the color of tomato paste is to use HunterLab's ColorFlex L2 Tomato. This device provides objective, scientific color and spectral data based on industry-standard scales. It is easy to use, integrates quickly into workflows, and takes up minimal space.

Trust the color measurement experts with over 70 years in the industry. Contact us online to get a quote.