The Impact of Low-Temperature Storage duration on the Chemical Composition and Technological Suitability of Cherry Varieties

Introduction: Postharvest storage of cherry fruits is accompanied by biochemical changes that can significantly reduce their nutritional and technological value. Although previous studies have examined the dynamics of major metabolites during the storage of fruit and berry crops, the varietal-specific variability of sugars, organic acids, and ascorbic acid content under the conditions of southern regions of Russia remains insufficiently explored.

Objective: To determine the optimal storage duration of varietal cherry fruits by monitoring their chemical composition, with subsequent differentiation according to intended use, processing, preservation, and consumption.

Materials and Methods: The study involved fruits of the common cherry varieties Alexa, Aphrodite, Kazachka, Krasnodarskaya Sladkaya, and Khutoryanka, grown during the 2024–2025 seasons. Storage was conducted at 0 °C. Fruits designated for 10-day storage were gradually transferred to higher temperatures from the 7th day, while those intended for 20-day storage underwent a temperature increase beginning on the 16th day. At the end of the storage period, the temperature reached 5 °C. The experimental samples were analyzed for soluble solids (GOST ISO 2173–2013), sugars (GOST 8756.13–87), titratable acidity (GOST ISO 750–2013), and ascorbic acid concentration (GOST 24556–89).

Results: The study demonstrated that the dynamics of the chemical composition of cherry fruits during storage are varietal-specific. The levels of sugars and titratable acids varied with storage duration, while ascorbic acid content declined. The sugar–acid index revealed distinct differences in taste profiles: Aphrodite was most suitable for fresh consumption, Krasnodarskaya Sladkaya for drying and baby food production, and Alexa for winemaking.

Conclusions: The findings confirmed that varietal-specific changes in the chemical composition of cherries during storage can serve as a criterion for technological differentiation. The practical significance lies in enabling the selection of optimal varieties for various processing and consumption purposes, based on sugar–acid balance and vitamin C content. These data provide a basis for developing varietal-specific storage recommendations and broaden current understanding of postharvest changes in cherries under the conditions of southern Russia

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