Investigation of a Watermelon Pulp Fruit and Juice Extraction Device

Abstract

This research was a part of a larger effort to extract lycopene from watermelons focusing on in situ juice extraction from watermelons. The conventional method of juice extraction needs watermelons to be transported to processing factory. Transporting watermelons from farm to processing factory involves, labor, time and cost. To reduce cost by all these factors, it was understood a better method would be a handheld machine, light in weight and easy to carry in the watermelon field. The rind left on the field can be used as cattle food or manure for the same field; this would be an efficient way to replenish the minerals consumed from the soil for growing watermelons. A prototype machine was developed; this machine bore a hole in the rind of watermelon and then a set of three blades enters the watermelon fruit. A handheld battery operated motor rotated these blades. The impact force of each blade sheared the red watermelon flesh into juice.