Evaluation of Juice Processing Characteristics of Blueberry from Different Cultivars

This study evaluated the juice processing characteristics of seven typical blueberry fruit cultivars: Windsor, Susieblue, Lanmei 1, Sharpblue, Sweetheart, Titan, and Gardenblue from three major strains (Southern highbush, Northern highbush and rabbiteye). The juice yield, color, physicochemical properties, functional component contents and antioxidant capacities were analyzed. In addition, correlation, factor, and cluster analyses were used to evaluate comprehensively the suitability of each cultivar for juice processing. The results indicated significant differences in the juice processing characteristics of the blueberry cultivars (P<0.05). The highest juice yield of 75.17% was obtained from the Gardenblue cultivar. And the Gardenblue juice had the lowest levels of L^* and b^* with a higher a^* value, showing a deep amaranth color. The total phenolic, anthocyanin, and V_C contents in Gardenblue juice were highest at 61.95 mg GAE/100 g, 8.56 mg/100 g, and 79.07 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, Gardenblue juice showed the highest DPPH (5.73 μmol Trolox/g) and ABTS⁺ (7.43 μmol Trolox/g) free radical scavenging abilities, exhibiting a significantly stronger antioxidant ability than the other six cultivars (P<0.05). Four principal factors were extracted by factor analysis, with a cumulative contribution rate of 90.88%. The order followed according to the comprehensive evaluation model: Gardenblue>Titan>Lanmei 1>Windsor>Sharpblue>Susieblue>Sweetheart. Among the seven blueberry cultivars, the most suitable for juice processing was Gardenblue, followed by Titan. This study provides a theoretical reference for selecting blueberry cultivars for juice processing.