As fruit ripens, its sugar content will change. For farmers, this means testing fruit to determine where to harvest. Refractometers measure the sugar content in fruit, wine, beer, and other foods. This enables us to have food and beverages that are sweet enough but not too sweet. Refractometers also are used in the chemical and manufacturing industries to measure sample concentrations for process and quality control.
What happens when the refractometer is not calibrated correctly? Its readings are faulty and lower quality—and thus lower sales—are the result. While these meters should be calibrated before each use, professional calibration may be necessary at some point. If the meter is dropped, scratched, or has readings that regularly fall outside the acceptable range, it may be time for professional calibration and/or repair.
Handling your refractometer with care and using it only for its intended purpose will keep it working well in most cases. When it falters—or when you need calibration reports for compliance—contact the pros.
InnoCal is accredited by A2LA to meet ISO17025 requirements, including technical competency for refractometers. We use ISO Guide 25 standard reference material to complete the test per your instructions.