Evaluation of Juice Processing Characteristics of Blueberry from Different Cultivars

Abstract

This study evaluated the juice processing characteristics of seven typical blueberry fruit cultivars: Windsor, Susieblue, Lanmei 1, Sharpblue, Sweetheart, Titan, and Gardenblue from three major strains (Southern highbush, Northern highbush and rabbiteye). The juice yield, color, physicochemical properties, functional component contents and antioxidant capacities were analyzed. In addition, correlation, factor, and cluster analyses were used to evaluate comprehensively the suitability of each cultivar for juice processing. The results indicated significant differences in the juice processing characteristics of the blueberry cultivars (PTitan>Lanmei 1>Windsor>Sharpblue>Susieblue>Sweetheart. Among the seven blueberry cultivars, the most suitable for juice processing was Gardenblue, followed by Titan. This study provides a theoretical reference for selecting blueberry cultivars for juice processing.

Keywords

• blueberry
• juice processing characteristics
• factor analysis
• cluster analysis
• comprehensive evaluation