ABSTRACT
Blueberry fruit require two to three months to ripen, depending upon weather, the type of wood left after pruning, and the cultivar. Many complex biochemical changes occur within the fruit during this time, including those which result in softening, heightened pig mentation, sweetening, and enlargement. If berries are harvested as soon as they show a slight pink coloration, the ripening process will still continue, but fruit quality will be lower than if the berries had ripened on the bush.
