title: Shelf Life Determination of Fresh Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) Stored under Controlled Atmosphere and Ozone.
abstract: Fresh blueberries are commonly stored and transported by refrigeration in controlled atmospheres to protect shelf life for long periods of storage. Ozone is an antimicrobial gas that can extend shelf life and protect fruit from microbial contamination. Shelf life of fresh highbush blueberries was determined over 10-day storage in isolated cabinets at 4°C or 12°C under different atmosphere conditions, including air (control); 5% O2 : 15% CO2 : 80% N2 (controlled atmosphere storage (CAS)); and ozone gas (O3) 4 ppm at 4°C or 2.5 ppm at 12°C, at high relative humidity (90-95%). Samples were evaluated for yeast and molds growth, weight loss, and firmness. CAS and O3 did not delay or inhibit yeast and molds growth in blueberries after 10 days at both temperatures. Fruit stored at 4°C showed lower weight loss values compared with 12°C. Blueberries stored under O3 atmosphere showed reduced weight loss at 12°C by day 10 and loss of firmness when compared to the other treatments. Low concentrations of ozone gas together with proper refrigeration temperature can help protect fresh blueberries quality during storage.
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Technology Department, Virginia Tech, 1230 Washington Street SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Centro de Estudios en Alimentos Procesados (CEAP), Avenida San Miguel 3425, 3480137 Talca, Chile.
authors.forename: Anibal
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5063-7371
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Concha-Meyer
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Technology Department, Virginia Tech, 1230 Washington Street SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Eifert
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Technology Department, Virginia Tech, 1230 Washington Street SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Technology Department, Virginia Tech, 1230 Washington Street SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Marcy
authors.affiliation: Horticulture Department, Virginia Tech, 1880 Pratt Drive, Research Building XV, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Welbaum