Peeling quality was determined in terms of weight loss and the
softness of tomatoes. The weight loss was measured in a separate set
of experiments; however in the context of subjective evaluation, it
was observed from how much the tomato flesh detached from the
fruit and how deep the crack penetrated into the flesh. Softness/
firmness was observed by the extent of deformation observed by
pushing the surface flesh with fingers, the integrity of the fruit (loss of
its oval shape) and perceived degree of cooking. The basis for comparison was
a conventional lye-peeled tomato of similar ripeness and
dimensions,with a smooth peeled surface,which was rated a 5 on a 5-
point scale. Thus, the quality scale was defined as follows: 5 denoted
very good quality, minimum weight loss, and very firm texture; 4
denoted good quality, low weight loss, and firm texture; 3 denoted
average quality,moderate weight loss, and moderately soft texture; 2
denoted poor quality, large weight loss, and soft texture; and 1
denoted very poor quality, large weight loss and very soft texture.