Developing a Maturity Index for New Cherry Cultivars Growing in the San Joaquin Valley

Abstract

During the past 5 years, we have investigated the relationship between cherry skin color stages (light red, 50% bright red, 100% bright, and dark red) measured at harvest and harvest/shipping quality for `Brooks', `Tulare', and `King' cultivars. This relationship was studied with fruit grown in different geographic locations within the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). SSC increased, but titratable acidity levels did not change as cherries matured to the dark skin color. The perception of sweetness, sourness, and cherry flavor by a trained taste panel was related to the different cherry skin color stages. Dark red color developed on cherries picked at earlier color stages after simulated shipment. Pitting and stem browning were the main market life limitations. Pitting, stem browning, and decay were higher on cherries picked at the dark and 100% bright red colors than cherries picked at earlier stages.