# Characterization of Changes in Key Odorants in Blueberries During Simulated Commercial Storage and Marketing by Sensory-Directed Flavor Analysis and Determination of Differences in Overall Perceived Aroma

## TL;DR

Blueberries stored at low temperatures lose some key aroma compounds, but these recover when stored at warmer temperatures, affecting their overall smell.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific odorants affected by storage conditions and shows aroma recovery with temperature changes in blueberries.

## Key findings

- Key odorants like 1-octen-3-ol and linalool decreased during cold storage but recovered at higher temperatures.
- Sensory testing confirmed differences in aroma between blueberries stored at 1 °C and the control.
- Commercial storage does not reduce blueberry aroma when marketing occurs at warmer temperatures.

## Abstract

To preserve quality and extend shelf-life, blueberries need to be maintained at low temperatures and high relative humidity during storage; however, during marketing, temperatures are considerably higher than what is optimal. The full impact of this varied temperature regime on flavor is unclear. Blueberries were stored at 1 °C for three weeks, followed by one week at 10 °C, and then two days at 20 °C, to simulate commercial conditions, and the aroma active compounds were evaluated. Gas chromatography–olfactometry combined with aroma extract dilution analysis and stable isotope dilution coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the key odorants of blueberries were affected by storage conditions, including 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octen-3-one, (Z)-3-hexenal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, and linalool. Extended storage at 1 °C resulted in a decrease in concentrations and odor activity values of most key odorants followed by their recovery as temperature increased. The perceived aroma from sensory testing confirmed the difference in the aroma of blueberries stored at 1 °C versus the control. The results indicated that commercial storage does not reduce blueberry aroma because blueberries are marketed at warmer temperatures and that blueberries should not be directly sold to consumers from cold storage.