52.773—Liquid media and Brix measurements.
(a)
Brix measurement requirements for the liquid media in canned red tart pitted cherries are not incorporated in the grades of the finished product since sirup, or any other liquid medium, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purpose of the grades. The designation of liquid packing media and Brix measurements, where applicable, are as follows:
| Designations | Brix measurements |
|---|---|
| “Extra heavy sirup;” or “Extra heavily sweetened fruit juice(s) and water;” or “Extra heavily sweetened fruit juice(s).” | 28° or more but not more than 45°. |
| “Heavy sirup;” or “Heavily sweetened fruit juice(s) and water;” or “Heavily sweetened fruit juice(s).” | 22° or more but less than 28°. |
| “Light sirup;” or “Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water;” or “Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s).” | 18° or more but less than 22. |
| “Slightly sweetened water;” or “Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water;” or “Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s).” | Less than 18°. |
| “In water” | Not applicable. |
| “In fruit juice(s) and water.” | Do. |
| “In fruit juice(s)” | Do. |
(b)
The densities of the packing media, as listed in this section, are measured on the refractometer, expressed as percent by weight sucrose (degrees Brix) with correction for temperature to the equivalent at 20 °C. (68 °F.), but without correction for invert sugars or other substances. The Brix measurement of the packing media may be determined by any other method which gives equivalent results.
(c)
Brix determination is made on the packing media 15 days or more after the cherries are canned or on the blended homogenized slurry of the comminuted entire contents of the container if canned for less than 15 days.