Factors Affecting the Firmness of Highbush Blueberries1

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Abstract
An Instron Universal Testing Machine was modified to measure firmness of blueberry fruit. Each blueberry was compressed between 2 flat surfaces for 1/4 its diameter at 1 cm/minute. Compression curves were linear. Small, green, unripe blueberries were extremely firm, softened appreciably as they ripened from the green to red stages but softened relatively little thereafter. Smaller blueberries tended to be slightly more firm than larger ones. Firmness varied from one harvest to another within a year and from one year to another. The firmness of fruit of some cultivars was almost double that of others. Firmness as measured by the Instron compared well (r = 0.70* and 0.81 *) with field (“chewing” or mastication) scores made by the breeder as part of his regular program. Blueberries dropped upon hard boards softened (bruised) in proportion to the distance of fall. Small increments (10.2 cm or 4-inch) of fall softened blueberries as much as large increments (40.6 cm or 16-inch) as long as the total distance (sum of increments) of fall was constant. Regardless of cultivar, size, ripeness, or initial firmness, the firmness of blueberries after a standard fall (8 drops of 40.6 cm or 16 inches each) can be predicted if their initial firmness (X) is known (Y = −0.590 + 0.627X). Bruised blueberries decayed more than those not bruised. Firmness of blueberries decreased when they were warmed and increased when they were cooled; this effect was a reversible, physical phenomenon.

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