Changes in Quality Traits and Phytochemical Components of Blueberry (Vaccinium Corymbosum Cv. Bluecrop) Fruit in Response to Postharvest Aloe Vera Treatment

ABSTRACT The effect of Aloe vera application (33% and 66% as dipping, AV) on ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry’s (Vaccinium corymbosum) quality properties such as weight loss, respiration rate, fruit color, soluble solids content (SSC), acidity, phytochemical components (vitamin C, total phenolics, and total flavonoids) and antioxidant activity was investigated during the cold storage (at 0 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% RH) for 28 days. During cold storage, significantly lower weight loss was recorded in fruit treated with AV compared to control. At the end of the cold storage, the weight loss was 20% lower in AV treated fruits and AV concentration was not effective in weight loss. On the contrary, the respiration rate (except for the 7th day) and fruit firmness were higher in these fruit. It was observed that color changes were less in AV-treated fruit during storage. In general, AV-treated fruit had significantly lower SSC, while acidity and vitamin C were higher. Moreover, 66% AV application was more effective in delaying the loss of vitamin C at the end of storage. During cold storage, 33% AV-treated fruit had significantly higher total phenolics (except day 28) and total flavonoids content compared to control. In the last two measurements of the cold storage, it was determined that fruit dipped in AV had higher antioxidant activity (both DPPH and FRAP assays) compared to control fruit. As a result, it was revealed that postharvest AV gel applications can be used as an effective postharvest tool to delay the loss of quality, the loss of phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of the blueberry fruit.