Ultrasonic synergistic slightly acidic electrolyzed water processing to improve postharvest storage quality of Chinese bayberry

•US + SAEW was used to bolster the postharvest storage quality of Chinese bayberry.•US + SAEW efficiently cleared pesticides, debris, and larvae from the bayberry.•US + SAEW markedly inhibited microbial proliferation and decelerated bayberry decay.•US + SAEW extended the preservation of bayberry storage quality.•US + SAEW modulated metabolic enzyme activities and curtailed the synthesis of MDA.