Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Volume LXI
Written by Ioana BEZDADEA CĂTUNEANU, Liliana BĂDULESCU, Aurora DOBRIN, Andreea STAN, Dorel HOZA
The aim of this study was to determine which storage conditions can preserve the blueberry quality (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), stored in three different rooms with controlled atmosphere (CA). For this purpose, three varieties of blueberries, like Coville, Blueray and Chandler were stored and monitored for four months. Quality parameters like: dry matter content (D.M.%), titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids (°Brix), firmness, antioxidant capacity and also content in flavonoids, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins and ascorbic acid was monitored during storage period. The experiment conditions were based on the variation of carbon dioxide (CO2) as follows: Room 1 (CO2: 0%, representing the control), Room 2 (CO2: 5%), and Room 3 (CO2: 10%). Other common parameters of the experiment were: temperature (t°) 1°C, oxygen quantity (O2) 3%, relative humidity (RH) 95%. After four months of storage, observations showed that blueberries from Chandler variety presented better quality parameters compared to blueberries from Coville and Blueray varieties. Moreover, notable differences of physical and biochemical parameters were observed within the same blueberries variety stored in different rooms with controlled atmosphere conditions. Blueberries stored in Room 2 (T: 1°C, O2: 3%, CO2: 5%, RH: 95%) and Room 3 (T: 1°C, O2: 3%, CO2: 10%, RH: 95%) presented the best quality attributes compared with those stored in the other storage room (control), which would translate to a longer shelf life.
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