Abstract:

The effect of cold acclimation combined with ice-temperature storage (CACITS) on the quality of blueberries
was investigated in this study. Blueberries were acclimated at 10 ℃ for 12 h, then at 4 ℃ for 12 h or at 4 ℃ for
24 h. Physiochemical parameters and nutritional composition were measured every 10 days during 70 days of storage.
Results showed that cold acclimation combined with ice-temperature storage was more effective in delaying the decay
of blueberries, inhibiting the decrease in vitamin C and anthocyanins, and protecting blueberry bloom when compared
with single cold storage and controlled freezing-point storage. Moreover, the combined treatment suppressed respiratory
intensity and ethylene generation rate, and lowered both CAT and LOX activities, thus extending the storage period. Among
two treatments, cold acclimation at 10 ℃ for 12 h followed by 4 ℃ for 12 h was more effective, which illustrates that the
efficiency of direct controlled freezing-point storage and cold storage can be enhanced by their combined use.

Key words: blueberry, cold storage, ice-temperature storage, cold acclimation, physiological variation