Approximation to the concept of multidimensional quality of blueberry fruits from the high Colombian tropics

Blueberries have emerged as one of the most promising crops worldwide, and Colombia is no exception, with high-altitude tropical zones providing a favorable agroecological niche. However, knowledge about quality attributes and their optimization under these conditions remains limited. This study focused on analyzing the quality attributes of the 'Biloxi,' 'Emerald,' and 'Legacy' cultivars grown across nine municipalities in the Cundiboyacense high plateau. Our approach proposed a methodological framework to identify key multidimensional quality factors, including physicochemical parameters, and explored the impact of high-altitude tropical climatic conditions on these attributes. A significant contribution to the understanding of multidimensional quality was the integration of consumer preference analysis using Likert-scale quality parameter categorizations and sentiment analysis tools through natural language processing. Additionally, we characterized the spectral fingerprints associated with blueberry traits such as origin, size, and variety. The results highlight the exceptional quality of Colombian blueberries, which achieved Jumbo sizes up to 2.8 g, firmness of 3.8 N, and soluble solids of 14.8 °Brix for the cv. Biloxy, alongside an attractive bloom and blue hue that appealed to consumers. These attributes collectively generated 89% positive perceptions among consumers, who particularly appreciated the flavor and appearance. Spectral analysis revealed key bands for distinguishing quality parameters between 823–872 nm, demonstrating the influence of genotype × environment interactions on fruit characteristics. Our findings provide a solid foundation for future research and underscore the potential of Colombian blueberries to position themselves as a high-value product in international markets. • High-altitude tropical conditions in Colombia enhance blueberry flavor and sweetness. • Consumer preferences emphasize flavor, appearance, and price in high-altitude Colombian blueberries. • Spectral analysis identifies key reflectance bands (823–872 nm) to assess blueberry quality attributes. • Physicochemical properties like TSS and firmness vary significantly by locality, influencing blueberry quality.