Mechanical behaviour and quality traits of highbush blueberry during postharvest storage

BACKGROUND: berry firmness is one of the most important characteristics for the fresh market consumption. Blueberry firmness is also an important attribute because it is considered to be a measurement of its freshness. Berries lose their firmness by leak of water and by changes in their structure. RESULTS: the postharvest life of two highbush blueberry cultivars (Bluecrop and Coville) were investigated. Several parameters related to blueberry quality were evaluated during postharvest storage period. To assess berry texture characteristics (firmness, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, resilience), a rapid non-destructive penetrometer test by Durofel® and texture profile analysis (TPA) by an Texture Analyzer® were used. Low temperature inhibited the decrease of the total soluble solids, total titratable acidity and an increase of flesh pH value, thereby maintaining good taste quality. There was an increase in fruit firmness (Durofel index) and hardness and a decrease in chewiness and springiness during storage. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation among the TPA parameters and Durofel index. Therefore, Durofel Index could be used as suitable indicators of fruit quality and storability, and the low temperature storage is beneficial to maintain the taste quality of blueberry fruit after harvest.