BRIX: Definition

A measurement of the sugar level in plant extracts as created through photosynthesis. Brix is measured with an instrument called a Refractometer.

The origin of the word 'BRIX'

Professor A. F. W. Brix was a 19th Century German chemist (b.1798, d.1890). He was the first to measure the density of plant juices by floating a hydrometer in them. The winemakers of Europe were concerned that they could not predict which of various grape juices would make the best wine. Being able to judge quality ahead of actual bottling was of immense importance in an industry where a bottle of the best wine might sell for hundreds of times more than a bottle of everyday wine. Professor Brix was greeted as a great hero when he emerged from his laboratory to claim his most generous prize. He was also honoured by having the measuring process named after him.

• BRIX is a measure of the percent solids (TSS) in a given weight of plant juice - nothing more - and nothing less.
  
  
• BRIX is often expressed another way: BRIX equals the percentage of sucrose. However, if you study the contents of this book, you will soon enough understand that the "sucrose" can vary widely. For, indeed, the BRIX is actually a summation of the pounds of sucrose, fructose, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, hormones, and other solids in one hundred pounds of any particular plant juice.
  
  
• BRIX varies directly with plant QUALITY. For instance, a poor, sour tasting grape from worn out land can test 8 or less BRIX. On the other hand, a full flavoured, delicious grape, grown on rich, fertile soil can test 24 or better BRIX.
  
  

A refractometer is an optical device that takes advantage of the fact that light passing through a liquid bends or refracts. Thicker, i.e., more dense, liquids refract more. Solids dissolved in a liquid will cause it to exhibit a refractive index in direct relation to the amount of solids. A refractometer substitutes a calibrated prism and an etched screen for the liquid. Refraction is extremely exact and no modern chemist wishes to be without a refractometer.

For more information, visit the website dedicated to Dr. Reams' work...