Effect of storage time on percentage of weight loss, pruin content and firmness of cranberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) var. DS-02 stored at 0?C

In the last few years, the blueberry export industry has grown exponentially. With this, the need to understand the post-harvest behavior of fresh blueberries became extremely important. One of the critical points in the export of fresh blueberries was the cold storage. This work evaluated the effect of three storing times (7, 14 and 21 days) over the weight loss, firmness and epicuticular wax content. The weight loss was determined using Explorer Pro OHAUS scale. The firmness was measured with an INSTRON 3342 texture analyzer, and the epicuticular wax content was obtained using chloroform and then weighing after eliminating the solvent through evaporation. After 21 days the weight loss reached an average of 5.15% and the firmness an average of 1.99 N. The epicuticular wax content fell in a range between 0.21% and 0.51%. During the storage the weight declined while the firmness increased. The epicuticular wax content was not affected by the storing time. It is important to have a careful handling of the relative humidity of the coolers and containers for the blueberries export.? SourcesUniversidad Privada Antenor Orrego ? UPAOPicture by?Agrom?tica