All experiments were set at specific conditions and (except for
studies on initial temperature effects described below) run starting
at room temperature (25 ± 1 C) and were stopped when cracking of
the tomato peel occurred. Conditions and results were recorded in
triplicate by using a video camera (Canon ES900, Japan), with a
synchronized digital stopwatch. At a pre-assigned time, the preset
AC power was turned on, and the data logger began recording data at
the same time. Subsequently, the cracking time on the videotape was
synchronized with that of the data logger. After cracking occurred, or
the temperature of the medium reached 100 C (whichever came
first), the tomato was peeled by washing with water.