Outdoor oil palm fruit ripeness dataset.

This dataset comprises oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) images that may potentially be used in the study related to fruit ripeness detection via image processing. The FFB dataset was collected from palm oil plantations in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak, Malaysia. The data collection involved acquiring pictures of FFB from various angles and classifying them based on their ripeness level, categorised into five classes: damaged bunch, empty bunch, unripe, ripe, and overripe. An experienced grader carefully labelled each FFB image with the corresponding ground truth information. The dataset provides valuable insights into the colour variations of FFBs throughout their ripening process, which is essential for assessing oil quality. It includes observations on the external fruit colours as well as characteristics related to the presence of empty sockets in the FFB as a key indicator of ripeness. The reusability potential of this dataset is significant for researchers in the field of oil palm fruit classification and grading, which requires an extensive outdoor dataset that comprise FFB's both on the tree and on the ground. Our work enables the development and validation of machine learning pipelines for outdoor automated FFB grading. Furthermore, the dataset may also support studies to improve oil palm cultivation practices, enhance yield, and optimise oil quality.