The role of skin in some mechanical properties of pumpkin and melon varieties aiming to reveal a scientific definition for the term of (tough-skinned)produce was studied. The selected varieties were Jarrahdale, Jap, and Butternut for pumpkin; and Watermelon, Rockmelon, and Honeydew for melon. The value of each property was determined in different states of produce including skin, flesh and unpeeled. The contribution, %, of skin to unpeeled produce on different properties including toughness, rupture force, cutting force, shear strength force, and shear strength was investigated. It was found that tough-skinned vegetables can be defined by the ratio of the skin’s shear strength to the same property of the unpeeled state.

Keywords