To obtain fundamental data for using Natsuhaze and Aragenatsuhaze in the breeding and cultivation of blueberries, we examined the fruit growth characteristics and fruit components. Natsuhaze and Aragenatsuhaze had many fruits per fruit cluster compared with blueberry cultivars, and the fruit clusters were long and slender. Although the maturation period of the fruits within the same fruit cluster was different, the matured fruits did not fall for a long period. Therefore, this species may be harvested by cluster harvesting, as with grapes. The maturation periods of both Natsuhaze and Aragenatsuhaze were from September to November, one to three months later than the latest-maturing blueberry cultivars. Although the sugar-acid ratio in the fruits of Natsuhaze and Aragenatsuhaze was lower than in blueberry cultivars and the taste was inferior, the total anthocyanin content of fruits in Natsuhaze was about 6 times that of blueberries. The total polyphenol content, total proanthocyanidin content, and antioxidant activities showed high values in unripe fruits, and increased as maturity progressed in these species. Mature fruit of Aragenatsuhaze had 3 times more total polyphenols and 17 times more total proanthocyanidin than blueberry cultivars; it was suggested that total polyphenols including proanthocyanidin contribute to antioxidant activities. Natsuhaze and Aragenatsuhaze could be useful breeding materials for new cultivar production by expanding the crop season of blueberries, enabling cluster harvesting, and offering high biological functionality.
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