Imagine if you could gauge ripeness of an avocado just by looking at it? Apeel Sciences’ latest innovation does just that.

The Goleta, Calif.-based company is taking food tech to the next level, launching an imaging and data service called RipeFinder. A simple scan of an avocado with the tool reveals whether it’s ready to be mashed into guacamole or needs another three days before it’s ready to be sliced for salad.

The food tech company known for its protective, plant-based peel that extends shelf life is finding new avenues to reduce food waste and create more efficient supply chains, from produce sorters to the grocery aisle. The RipeFinder imaging technology is currently only available for avocados, but Apeel is working on models for other produce including limes, mangos and mandarins, according to the release.

“Apeel started with a mission to prevent food waste across the supply chain with our plant-based protective coating,” James Rogers, chief executive officer at Apeel, said in the news release. “Our mission hasn’t changed, but we are evolving our offerings to further drive change in the food system. The expansion of our technology offerings will increase access to insights to create a smarter supply chain that maximizes the lifespan, quality and sustainability of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Apeel’s new tool pairs imaging technology with machine learning, resulting in a scanner that can quickly tell you if an avocado is ready for consumption or if needs a few days before peak ripeness. According to the release, the sensor emits a beam that detects measured light. This light reading is converted into an accurate prediction of an avocado’s firmness and dry matter via machine learning. Firmness and dry matter are two factors that inform how long the fruit will be ready for consumption.  

Practical uses across the produce supply chain

While ripeness is a key consideration for consumers shopping for avocados, the uses of Apeel’s new technology has implications across the supply chain.

Produce sorters at packing houses and distribution centers can use embedded imaging hardware that builds on RipeFinder’s artificial intelligence data. According to Apeel, these devices can scan avocados and quickly sort them into ripeness and dry matter categories to be routed to the right destination, based on their remaining shelf life.  This inline sorting technology is being tested in a commercial packing house in Europe.

Related news: Stemilt seeks to ensure organic apple quality with Apeel

Distributors and grocery retailers can use a produce quality scanner to determine ripeness and dry matter on individual avocados with no spoilage. These scanners can capture data to inform receiving, stocking and merchandising decisions.

Lastly, consumers can use an avocado ripeness scanner to determine the exact ripeness window of their produce before purchasing. The scanner also features a consumer-friendly user interface.

Visit Apeel at booth #1143 at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando from Oct. 27-29 to see the RipeFinder technology in use.