Sensory properties and furanone content of strawberry clones grown in Florida

Abstract

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch., cv 'Sweet Charlie', 'Camarosa', 'Rosa Linda', 'Earlibrite', 'FL 95-41', '95- 256') grown at Dover, Fl were harvested over three dates and evaluated by a trained taste panel for sweetness, sourness, texture, strawberry flavor, and strawberry aroma. Furaneol (2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone), Furaneol glucoside and Mesifuran (2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone) were quantified using HPLC to correlate analytical with sensory data. Cultivar evaluation demonstrated varied sensory characteristics at all harvests. Furaneol content was highest in 'Camarosa' throughout all harvests while 'Earlibrite' contained the least amount of Furaneol during two harvests. 'Sweet Charlie' consistently rated high in strawberry aroma intensity and sweetness but was somewhat softer. 'FL 95-41' consistently rated high in strawberry flavor intensity. 'Camarosa' and 'FL 95-41' were rated higher in texture (firmness) and in sourness. 'Rosa Linda' and 'Sweet Charlie' were generally the least firm cultivars. All cultivars had good color and color uniformity. Strong correlation between furanone content and strawberry aroma could not be found (r = 0.36). However, strong
correlation (r = 0.90) was found between strawberry flavor and
sweetness.