Improved efficiency for colorimetric determination of furfural in citrus juices

The operational efficiency of a method for colorimetric determination of furfural in citrus juices is improved by inclusion of a concentration-screening step prior to the color reaction. The absorbance at 277 nm may be used to determine the appropriate dilution for samples exceeding the recommended maximum furfural concentration in the reaction mixture. As much as 1 h per sample may be saved in the time required for analysis.