Quartz 4

Data Logging Template

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Data Logging Template

Purpose

Consistent metadata is what turns individual measurements into useful data. A single number without context is nearly meaningless — the same food from different sources, storage conditions, or growing methods can vary by orders of magnitude.

This template should be completed for every measurement. Even partial metadata is better than none.

Sample Record

--- SAMPLE METADATA ---
Date of measurement:
Tester ID (or anonymous):

FOOD
Type (e.g. tomato, spinach, beef jerky):
Variety/cultivar (if known):
Source: [ ] Homegrown  [ ] Farmers market  [ ] Grocery store  [ ] Other: ___
If homegrown:
  - Soil type/amendments:
  - Watering method:
  - Approximate harvest date:
  - Days since harvest:
If store-bought:
  - Store name:
  - Brand (if applicable):
  - Best-by/pack date (if visible):
  - Days since purchase:

PREPARATION
Raw or cooked: [ ] Raw  [ ] Cooked
If cooked, method (boiled, steamed, roasted, etc.):
Preparation notes (peeled, chopped, etc.):

STORAGE (between harvest/purchase and measurement)
Storage method: [ ] Room temp  [ ] Refrigerated  [ ] Frozen then thawed
Days stored before measurement:

--- EXTRACTION ---
Sample weight (g):
Extraction method: [ ] Standard hot water (per protocol)  [ ] Modified: ___
Notes:

--- RESULTS ---

SALICYLATE
Absorbance at 545nm (blank-subtracted):
Estimated concentration (mM from standard curve):
Estimated mg/g fresh weight:
Notes:

OXALATE
Absorbance at 607nm (blank-subtracted):
Estimated concentration (µmol/L from standard curve):
Estimated mg/g fresh weight:
Fraction measured: [ ] Soluble  [ ] Total
Notes:

TOTAL AMINE SCREEN (AuNP)
A522:
A650:
Ratio A650/A522:
Visual result: [ ] No change (red)  [ ] Slight purple  [ ] Blue
Triggered histamine strip: [ ] Yes  [ ] No

HISTAMINE STRIP (if run)
Strip brand/lot:
Result (ppm):
Notes:

--- OBSERVATIONS ---
Any unusual appearance, smell, or preparation notes:
Comparison notes (vs. other samples of same food):

Calibration Record (log separately per session)

Date:
Colorimeter device ID:
Reagent batch IDs:

Salicylate standard curve:
  0 mM:    A545 = ___
  0.5 mM:  A545 = ___
  1.0 mM:  A545 = ___
  2.0 mM:  A545 = ___
  5.0 mM:  A545 = ___
  R² = ___

Oxalate standard curve:
  0 µmol/L:    A607 = ___
  5 µmol/L:    A607 = ___
  10 µmol/L:   A607 = ___
  25 µmol/L:   A607 = ___
  50 µmol/L:   A607 = ___
  R² = ___

AuNP batch check:
  SPR peak (A522 vs water blank): ___
  Batch date: ___
  Pass/fail (should be near 522nm): ___

Community Data Sharing

If contributing to shared dataset, submit:

  1. Complete sample record above
  2. Calibration record from same session
  3. Photo of colorimeter reading (optional but useful)

Shared dataset location: [TBD — Google Sheet / Airtable / GitHub repo]

Key fields for analysis:

  • Source (homegrown vs. store-bought)
  • Days since harvest/purchase
  • Storage method
  • All three compound readings

Notes on Reporting

  • Always report blank-subtracted absorbance
  • Always report which standard curve was used (date of calibration)
  • “Below detection limit” is a valid result — report it, don’t omit it
  • If something went wrong with a measurement, log it anyway with a note — failed measurements are useful data for protocol improvement

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