A Review on the Postharvest Quality and Composition of Small Fruit Crops Grown in Alabama and the Southeast U.S.A.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71318/hyjnf834Keywords:
small fruit, caneberry, blueberry, muscadine, shelf-life, texture, phytonutrientAbstract
Globally, postharvest losses account for 25–50% of the total value of specialty crops. Postharvest physiology and technology of specialty crops work to extend shelf-life, increase crop quality and mitigate losses. In the U.S., high-value small fruits face shelf-life and quality challenges. Rabbiteye blueberries, floricane blackberries and muscadines are among the most important small fruits for Alabama. These fruits are primarily marketed through local and regional outlets across the Southeast U.S. Yet, each of these small fruits exhibit distinct differences in shelf-life, optimal storage conditions, and susceptibility to postharvest degradation, which influence best handling practices and consumer satisfaction. To meet the demands of growers and consumers, new small fruit germplasm is constantly being developed. Many breeding programs have placed emphasis on developing disease resistant and heat resilient genotypes with improved flavor and texture, albeit evaluations of postharvest suitability across the southeastern U.S. Understanding these differences is essential for growers, distributors, and retailers aiming to maintain fruit quality and reduce postharvest losses throughout the supply chain. Shelf-life directly influences nutritional content, sensory attributes, and texture, all of which are critical to consumer acceptance. Texture degradation, particularly softening, greatly influences small fruit postharvest quality. Biochemical changes in cell structure can lead to a rapid decline in fruit firmness and overall acceptability. Given the perishability of small fruits, especially under high heat production and suboptimal storage conditions, postharvest research is urgently needed for Alabama to develop strategies that preserve quality and extend shelf-life. This includes screening new germplasm, refining storage protocols, and understanding textural and nutritional degradation. Postharvest research can identify key traits thereby enhancing molecular knowledge to fast track the development of small fruit material with longer shelf-life and field heat resistance. Such efforts are essential for reducing small fruit loss, enhancing marketability, and supporting food security in Alabama and beyond.
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