Postharvest quality, physiological, and biochemical responses of three late-maturing sweet cherry cultivars to production elevation after storage

Orchard site and cultivar selection represent critical determinants in maintaining the desirable quality of sweet cherries. This study investigated the effect of production elevation (PE, 117–697 m above sea level [MASL]) on the gaseous compositions, respiration rate, quality parameters, antioxidant properties, and aromatic volatile compounds of three late-maturing cultivars ('Skeena', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart') with modified atmosphere packaging after 5 weeks of storage at 0 °C. Results showed that either low (132 and 152 MASL), or high (697 and 640 MASL) PE further reduced O2 concentration and increased CO2 concentration of 'Skeena' and 'Sweetheart' cherries; however, gaseous compositions in 'Lapins' cherries were not affected by PE. Additionally, low respiration rates (RR) were observed in the 'Skeena', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart' cherries at 268, 502–688, and 365–518 MASL, respectively. After storage, high soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and sensory score of flavor were observed in 'Skeena', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart' cherries at 550, 331–502, and 365 MASL, respectively. Furthermore, the 'Skeena', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart' cherries at 268, 331–688, and 518 MASL, respectively, maintained the high antioxidants and antioxidant capacities after packaging and storage. Compared to after packaging and low PE, the 'Skeena', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart' cherries at 550–697, 502–688, and 518–640 MASL, respectively, retained more fruity aroma (including acetaldehyde, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, 2-hexen-1-ol, hexanol, and butyl butyrate) after storage. In conclusion, PE at 268–550 and 365–518 MASL was suitable for growing 'Skeena' and 'Sweetheart' cherries, respectively, whereas 'Lapins' cherries demonstrated superior adaptation to > 502 MASL with low RR and high antioxidant properties and flavor retention.