1. Introduction
Thailand is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters
of pineapples (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.). According to the most
recent statistics of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
of the United Nations (2006), sales of pineapples by Thailand to
the world market were worth USD2.6 million in 2005. Pineapple
is exported in its fresh state or as processed products. Whatever
the form in which it is sold, the most critical factor is the quality
of the raw material.