Chilean Blueberry Research Aims to Boost Health Benefits and Berry Quality

A new scientific study in Chile explores how hormonal treatments can enhance the antioxidant and prebiotic value of blueberries while also extending shelf life and reducing water use.

Blueberries are widely known for their health benefits — rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, they support cardiovascular function, immunity, and digestion. These properties have made blueberries highly sought after in global markets, with Chile standing out as one of the top exporters.

Now, Chilean researchers are working to amplify these natural advantages.Dr. Carolina Parra Palma, a postdoctoral researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de Chile, leads a groundbreaking study titled:“Determination of Changes in the Metabolism of Fructooligosaccharides and Their Regulation Mechanism During Blueberry Ripening Through Exogenous Hormonal Treatments.”

“My goal is to enhance fruit quality — aroma, firmness, color — while also investigating blueberry bioactive compounds with prebiotic potential,” Parra Palma told FreshFruitPortal.com.

Dual Focus: Health and Climate Resilience

In addition to studying antioxidants and prebiotics, the research also addresses climate change. Parra Palma and her team are testing how phytohormones help plants cope with drought conditions. Results already suggest that blueberries can produce fruit with up to 50% less water, a promising development for growers.

Key Varieties and Early Results

The research is currently centered on the O’Neal variety, along with 10 others commonly grown in Chile’s Maule region. Among them, O’Neal and Legacy have shown the highest antioxidant levels.

Initial findings indicate that the health-enhancing properties of the fruit can more than double with hormonal treatments. Results vary based on:

• cultivar genetics,

• soil and water conditions,

• agronomic practices,

• microbial activity, and pH levels.

Postharvest Goal: Preserve and Enhance Bioactivity

The ultimate goal is to use naturally occurring phytohormones to extend shelf life and preserve the berries’ nutritional properties. Unlike chemical preservatives such as sulfites, these natural hormones are safe and biologically compatible.

“By enhancing antioxidant and prebiotic qualities, we can increase the global value of Chilean blueberries,” said Parra Palma.

Next Steps and Long-Term Vision

Looking ahead, the team plans to:

• standardize methods for measuring bioactive compounds;

• identify specific antioxidant and prebiotic elements;

• study how treatments affect different ripening stages;

• conduct biomedical studies on health impacts;

• explore advanced irrigation strategies for drought-prone regions.

The project runs until March 2027, with initial findings expected in mid-2024.

Conclusion

Chile’s investment in scientific innovation may lead to blueberries that are healthier, more resilient, and longer-lasting — offering added value to both consumers and producers. In a market increasingly focused on functional foods and climate-smart farming, this research places Chile at the forefront of the berry industry’s next evolution.

Resource Link: FreshFruitPortal – Chilean blueberry research seeks to boost health benefits