This study examined the effects of freezing, storage, and cabinet
drying on the anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of
blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L). Fresh samples were
stored for two weeks at 5°C while frozen samples were kept
for up to three months at −20°C. There were two drying
treatments, one including osmotic pretreatment followed by
cabinet drying and the other involving only cabinet drying.
Total anthocyanins found in fresh blueberries were 7.2 ±
0.5 mg/g dry matter, expressed as cyanidin 3-rutinoside
equivalents. In comparison with fresh samples, total anthocyanins
in untreated and pretreated dried blueberries were significantly
reduced to 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/g solid content, 41% loss, and
3.7 ± 0.2 mg/g solid content, 49% loss, respectively.
Osmotic treatment followed by a thermal treatment had a greater
effect on anthocyanin loss than the thermal treatment alone. In
contrast, the frozen samples did not show any significant
decrease in anthocyanin level during three months of storage.
Measurement of the antioxidant activity of anthocyanin extracts
from blueberries showed there was no significant difference
between fresh, dried, and frozen blueberries.