Evaluation of Blueberry Fruit Quality Using Instrumental Analyses and Consumer Sensory Perception

Three main commercially grown blueberry types are grown in the United States: southern highbush (SHB, species complex of Vaccinium corymbosum L. and V. darrowii Camp), rabbiteye (RE, V. virgatum Aiton), and northern highbush (NHB, V. corymbosum L). Within the blueberry industry, there is a subjective bias that NHB have superior fruit quality traits over SHB and RE. The objective of this research was to compare the main commercially grown cultivars within each type for physicochemical traits (appearance, texture, and flavor) using instrumental analyses and consumer acceptability to determine whether or not NHB have superior fruit quality. Overall, there was significant variation among types and cultivars within a year and across years. Results do not support the industry’s subjective bias, nor that RE are inferior to highbush types. Results will be shared with the industry to assist marketing and may help increase Georgia’s overall share in the blueberry market.