QUALITY AND STABILITY OF BLUEBERRY JUICE BLENDED WITH APPLE, GRAPE AND CRANBERRY JUICE1

Abstract

ABSTRACTSensory quality and storage stability of blueberry juice blends were investigated with the goal of maintaining dominant blueberry flavor, aroma and color. Apple juice, Concord and Venus grape juices and cranberry juice cocktail were blended at 75, 50 and 25% with blueberry juice. As the percent of blueberry juice decreased, the intensity of blueberry‐related sensory attributes decreased. The 25% Concord and Venus blends were the only blends that resulted in blueberry flavor similar to the reference. Apple and cranberry juice cocktail blended with blueberry juice produced several blends with good flavor and aroma, but they were not readily characterized as blueberry juice. All blends at the 25% level produced blueberry color equal to or greater than the reference. The juice samples were evaluated initially and after three months of storage at 37C. After storage, all blends had decreased red color.