Optimizing Haskap Berry (Lonicera caerulea) Storage Conditions and Monitoring Antioxidant Systems

With increasing demand for crops resilient to environmental variability, haskap (Lonicera caerulea) emerges as a promising berry for northern climates due to its rich bioactive content and distinct flavor. Nevertheless, its fragility presents major challenges for maintaining postharvest quality. This study evaluated the effect of storage conditions on haskap quality using two experimental approaches. The first experiment monitored quality attributes (color, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, weight loss, and antioxidant capacity) at temperatures (0°C, 4°C, and 8°C) over 28 days. Storage at 0°C most effectively preserved antioxidant capacity, with peak levels observed on Day 21 (1.04 ± 0.2 mM TE g⁻¹ D.W), alongside maximal phenolic (37.38 ± 1.59 mg GAE g⁻¹ D.W) and flavonoid (26.99 ± 0.99 mg rutin eq g⁻¹ D.W) content. The second experiment, employing a factorial design, assessed the interactive effects of relative humidity (RH) (90% and 95%), temperature (0°C, 4°C, and 8°C), and time (1, 10, and 20 days) on haskap quality. Optimal conditions for quality preservation were identified as 0°C and 90% RH for 10 days of storage. These findings establish key storage requirements for haskap, informing postharvest practices aimed at maximizing shelf life and bioactive retention.