Pulp of Excellent Quality

N.I. Passion Fruit Pulp of Excellent Quality Examination by N.S.W. Expert

FOR a stored passion fruit pulp the flavour and appearance are excellent, and altogether the Nor folk Island packers are to be con gratulated on their product.

This important pronouncement was made by Major G. I. Adcock, F.R.H.S., A.A.I.M.M., M.L.S. de L., Managing Director of Jusfrute Ltd., Gosford, N.S.W., after an examination of a sample of Norfolk Island passion fruit pulp, which had been sent by the Fruit

growers’ Association.

This follows on attention being drawn in these columns by our N.I. corres pondent to the tremendous waste of passion fruit each season and the like lihood of a profitable industry being established in the marketing of the pulp. The Secretary of the Chamber of Manufactures (Mr. Frank L. Ed wards) became interested in the possi bilities of developing the industry and, as a result, this sample was sent to Major Adcock.

In a letter to Mr. Edwards, Major Adcock makes the following comments on the sample of pulp which he examined: Flavour.—For a stored pulp it is excellent, the bulk of the delicate aroma has been retained. Like nearly all passion pulp, there is a tendency for an apricot flavour to develop at the expense of the true passion flavour.

The overcoming of this difficulty, which is common to all pulp, would seem to be a subject requiring considerable research. This particular pulp has not been over-cooked.

Appearance. —Excellent. The pulp is still adhering to the seeds and its colour is good.

The seeds are evenly distributed through the sample. Frequently, owing to pasteurisation being carried to an unduly high temperature the seeds become detached from the pulp and form and unsightly mass.

Consistency.—The specific gravity is in the vicinity of 1.150, and the sample would be described as good, heavy, even pulp. The weight and general appearance suggests that an examination for added water would not be necessary.

Time has not permitted for a test for added cane sugar, but judging from the flavour I would say that the sample is 100 per cent. pulp.

Keeping Qualities. —It is, of course, not pos sible for me to comment on these at the present time. In the original sealed container

it kept in excellent condition. Altogether the packers are to be congratulated on their product.

As far as we are concerned, we would like to be put in touch with the local agent, and we think we could build up a trade in this if the price is at all favourable.

Before oifering the pulp on a commercial scale. I would suggest the examination of it for foreign metals, as a cursory examination of the tin gave the impression that the lac quer or surface was not satisfactory.

Further reference to the subject is

made in this month’s newsletter from

our N.I. correspondent.