Comparison of physical and hydrodynamic properties of two commercial pomegranate varieties

The objective of this study was to determine and compare several physical and hydrodynamic attributes between two commercial pomegranate varieties (Sweet Malase and White Leather) cultivated in Iran. Results showed that the geometric mean diameter (74. 61-82. 45mm)، volume (176-503mm3)، true density (970. 25-1028. 3kgm-3) and packaging coefficient (0. 48-0. 55) values had statistically significant differences at 1% probability level. Moreover، projected and surface areas of White Leather variety were 15 and 18% higher (P<0. 01) than Sweet Malase variety، respectively. Terminal velocity، dropping time and drag force of White Leather variety were -0. 17ms-1، 3. 42s and 17N، respectively، while the corresponding values for Sweet Malase variety were 0. 18ms-1، 3. 38s and 1. 94N، respectively. It was also found that، the difference of buoyancy force value between Sweet Malase (2. 41N) and White Leather (3. 25N) was significant (P<0. 01). Determination of these properties is necessary to the design of transportation، grading and processing equipments of the pomegranate varieties.