Abstract: Different blueberry cultivars and maturity are important for blueberry color, quality, phytochemical components and physiological functions. The sensory quality, phytochemical properties, antioxidant activity and phytochemical components of four different blueberry cultivars (‘Anna’, ‘Baldwin’, ‘Gardenblue’ and ‘Plolific’) harvested at three different dates (Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ) were investigated. The correlations of the investigated parameters with cultivar and maturity were investigated by the statistical approach of principal component analysis (PCA). Results indicated that both cultivar and harvesting date affected the analyzed parameters and cultivar had a more significant effect on VC content and antioxidant activity. PCA scatter plots showed that the blueberry samples could be clearly classified. From both nutritional and physiological points of view, ‘Anna’ and ‘Baldwin’ were the best cultivars for processing and the extraction of active phytochemicals. These results can provide a theoretical guideline for the breeding, processing and application of blueberry.

Key words: blueberry, cultivars, maturity, physicochemical properties, total polyphenol, antioxidant, principal component analysis (PCA)