An object of the present invention is to provide a hardness measuring device that can easily and accurately measure the hardness of a semi-solid food. Kind Code: A1 A semi-solid food hardness measuring device includes a jig provided with an entry portion, and a jig having a tip end of the entry portion directed vertically downward, and a semi-solid food hardness measuring device. A holder 3 that is arranged at a measurement start position that is in contact with the upper surface of the solid food and is releasably held； a non-contact sensor 4 that detects position information of the jig 2 and outputs a detection result； A timer 5 for starting measurement of a predetermined time set when a trigger signal is input and outputting an end signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and starting measurement when the jig 2 is released and starts falling. A trigger signal is output assuming that time is reached, and a time when an end signal is input is regarded as a measurement end time. Based on a detection result from the sensor 4, a displacement amount of the jig 2 from a measurement start time to a measurement end time is determined. Unit 6. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1【課題】半固形状食品の硬度を簡便に精度よく測定できる硬度測定装置を提供する。【解決手段】半固形状食品の硬度測定装置１は、進入部２１を備える冶具２と、冶具２を、進入部２１の先端側を鉛直下方に向けた状態で、進入部２１の先端が半固形状食品の上表面に当接する位置である測定開始位置に配置し、解放可能に保持する保持具３と、冶具２の位置情報を検出し、検出結果を出力する非接触式のセンサ４と、トリガー信号が入力された時に予め設定した所定時間の計測を開始し、前記所定時間が経過した際に終了信号を出力するタイマ５と、冶具２が解放されて落下し始めた時を測定開始時とみなしてトリガー信号を出力し、終了信号が入力された時を測定終了時とし、センサ４からの検出結果に基づき、冶具２の測定開始時から測定終了時までの変位量を判定する判定部６と、を備える。【選択図】図１
