The full user manual for the penetrometer is attached at the end of this article.

1. Assemble the penetrometer

If not already assembled, screw the rod and cylindrical or cone-shaped probe into the base of the digital device.

2. Press the green button to turn on the penetrometer

2. Tare the device

Wait until the device fully turns on and shows 0.0 on the screen. If the screen does not show zero, press “ZERO” to tare the device.

3. Confirm the device is measuring in Newtons (N)

Newtons is the preferred measurement of choice. The units can be changed by clicking through options using the “UNIT” button.

4. Turn on Peak mode

5. Confirm Peak mode

Peak mode is verified with a capital “P” above the Newton unit. Peak mode reflects the maximum pressure observed turn the session, which is the desired value.

6. Cut the banana in half perpendicularly and insert the probe

Slowly push the penetrometer into the center of the pulp at a direct angle. Insert the penetrometer about ~10 mm deep until the cone of the probe is nearly covered.

Do not push too deep or hold the banana too firmly, otherwise you’ll read your resistance and not the fruit’s pressure. Gently resting the banana against a table can help with this. Hold the device in the banana until the measure on the screen stabilizes.

7. The value on screen is the pressure value