Overview
ISO 23393:2006 - "Pomegranate fruit - Specification and test methods" is an international standard that defines quality requirements and laboratory test methods for pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) destined for human consumption. It covers product description, classification, sampling, test procedures and marking/packing rules, plus normative annexes for specific analyses such as pest/spoilage assessment and total phenolics determination (Folin–Ciocalteu).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Terms such as pest-infested, spoiled, immature and fermented pomegranates are defined to standardize inspection and reporting.
- Quality and sensory criteria: Fruits must be sound, clean and have the characteristic odour and taste of the variety; free from foreign odours, mites, visible mould and obvious rodent contamination.
- Classification (three classes):
- Extra class (superior quality): e.g., max 1 pest-infested /100 fruits; max 2 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 0.5%; fruit mass > 480 g; colour: light.
- Class I (good quality): e.g., max 2 pest-infested/100; max 3 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 1.0%; fruit mass 380–480 g; colour: reddish.
- Class II (standard quality): e.g., max 3 pest-infested/100; max 4 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 1.5%; fruit mass