Blueberries

a. Basic Requirements:

Similar varietal characteristics;
Clean;
Well colored;
Not overripe;
Not crushed, split, or leaking; and,
Not wet.

b. Free From:

Attached stems;
Mold;
Decay;
Insects or when there is visible evidence of the presence of insects;
Mummified berries; and,
Clusters.

c. Free From Damage Caused By:

Shriveling;
Broken skins;
Scars;
Green berries; and,
Other means.

Categories: ,

Description

Quality Specifications (Fresh & IQF)

Appearance: Uniform dark blue with a waxy white bloom.

Size: Generally graded into Large (> 12.7mm or 1/2″) and small, based on variety

Texture: Firm and turgid; not overripe, soft, or mushy.

Defects: No green, red, shriveled, crushed, split, or leaking berries.

Flavor/Odor: Sweet, aromatic, and characteristic of fresh blueberries; no sour or fermented taste.

Brix (Sugar Content): Ideally 12–16 °Bx.

Temperature: 0–1°C for fresh (90–95% Relative Humidity); -18°C or below for Individually Quick Frozen (IQF).

Shelf Life (IQF): Usually 24 months at -18°C or below