Packaging design proposal motivated by the identification of damages in Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth)

Abstract

Andean blackberry is a fruit recognized by its health benefits associated with its high content of bioactive compounds. However, it is also one of the most perishable fruits because it does not have a protective cuticle, and it shows high respiration and ethylene production rates. Furthermore, it is susceptible to microbiological attacks. During harvest and commercialization, the highest percentage of losses is caused by factors such as the maturity stage, harvest practices and containers, and marketing packages. The current work aims at studying the effect of the package on fruit quality, for which the harvested fruits were placed in clamshells, traditional wooden and plastic crates with a capacity of 7 kg. The quality of the fruit was evaluated by counting in situ , damage by bruising, cuts, deformations, microbiological attacks, missing of the peduncle, and non-uniform pollination. Damage analysis included the evaluation of different regression models considering information criteria and significant parameters (P ≤ 0.05). The use of traditional packages led to higher damage from cuts and bruises. Although in clamshells there was a higher probability of finding healthy fruits, a proposal for its redesign is proposed to guarantee a better quality and shelf life of the Andean blackberry fruits.

Screening and Evaluation of Excellent Blackberry Cultivars and Strains Based on Nutritional Quality, Antioxidant Properties, and Genetic Diversity

“…Generally, fruit size is an appearance characteristic that will be of primary concern in the fresh fruit consumer market. However, for soft and juicy blackberry fruits, hardness is also an important index because blackberries are aggregate berries that lack a complete protective cuticle [ 36 ]. High hardness can maintain the economic value of blackberry fruits during picking, packaging, transportation, and ultimately entering the fresh fruit consumption market [ 37 ].…”