Αξιολόγηση ποιοτικών χαρακτηριστικών τριών ποικιλιών φράουλας

Abstract

Strawberry is highly appreciated by the consumers due to its taste and high nutritional quality, since it is a major source of ascorbic acid, phenols anthocyanins, ellagic acid etc. Nevertheless, its short postharvest life renders necessary the employment of advance protocols for further maintenance. The objective of the current study was to examine qualitative changes in three strawberry cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa, cvs. ‘Antilla’, ‘Candonga’, ‘Yuval’) at harvest and after refrigerated storage (4°C) for 4 days. Weight loss, chroma (L,a,b), fruit firmness, total soluble solids (T.S.S.) and titratable acidity (T.A.) were monitored. Results showed that low-temperature storage for a short period may prolong fruit shelf life, since weight loss was 4,1-4,8%. This was also the case for chroma parameters, where slight or no differentiations among the examined cultivars were monitored. However, varietal differences regarding qualitative attributes were monitored. Indicatively, a substantial increase of S.S.C. in ‘Candonga’ fruit (8.5% after 4 days of refrigerated storage) was monitored. Intriguingly, 4 days cold storage led to an increase of tissue firmness in all examined cultivar; this slight increase may be attributed to the weight loss occurred. This preliminary study outlined that strawberry postharvest performance should be checked on a cultivar dependent basis. Further research is needed regarding postharvest management of strawberry fruit on a cultivar basis.