hot peppers) are tested for QUALITY the same as any other. The refractometer is not truly a ripeness tester, although it is used in that sense by many Departments of Agriculture. For instance, many Departments allow cantaloupe to be picked once it tests 9 brix (this is what you normally find on salad bars). However, excellent cantaloupe is 16 brix or better. Produce CANNOT gain minerals (increase in QUALITY) after detachment from the mother plant or the soil. Ignore vendor's comments about produce somehow ripening into better quality. Particularly ignore vendor's signs reading SWEET . You now have the means, by using a refractometer, of determining true quality. You?ll never be fooled again by their cry of "Sweet!" TASTE & FLAVOR All creatures with a sense of taste use it to help them select nutritious food. You will rediscover that good tasting food is more satisfying than everyday fare. You will quickly learn that HIGH BRIX food actually tastes wonderful. Interestingly, once you rediscover the great taste of high brix food, you may find the artificial flavorings you once tolerated objectionable.  Certainly, you will find it difficult to eat poorer quality fruits & vegetables so easily as your taste sense is once again "recalibrated" to the great flavor of higher brix produce. The refractometer is a tool---no more---no less. It is used to help you select HIGHER QUALITY foods containing more vitamins and minerals. You will immediately notice the direct relation between flavor and brix. You should find the refractometer