Strawberry (<i>Fragaria × ananassa</i> Duch. ex Rozier) is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the U.S. Most of the strawberries grown in the U.S. are cultivated in Florida and California. Little information could be found on fruit quality of strawberries grown in Texas, which is currently around 250 acres annually. In order to increase the annual acreage in Texas, it is essential to understand the flavor quality of strawberries grown in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantifiable flavor differences among 10 strawberries grown in Texas using descriptive sensory analysis (QDA) and flavor instrumental analysis. QDA was conducted by 10 well-trained panelists who rated the taste and smell of each strawberry cultivar on a 10-point line scale. Volatiles in the 10 strawberries were isolated using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The sugar:acid ratios were determined according to the titratable acidity and °Brix, while color was assessed using UV-Spectroscopy. The QDA results indicated that seven strawberries (Monterrey, Ruby June, Albion, Camarosa, Camino Real, Chandler and Sweet Charlie) have a high association with positive sensory attributes such as strawberry flavor, sweetness, jammy, fruity, buttery, fresh, and creamy notes, while San Andreas, Fronteras, and Festival were negatively associated with bitterness, astringency, sourness, and the lack of sweetness. Camarosa and Albion had the highest concentration of anthocyanin (red color), 52.7mg/L and 41.8mg/L respectively. The highest sugar:acid ratio was exhibited by Monterrey (16.9), while Albion (13.5) and Camarosa (12.2) showed more balanced ratios. Chandler followed by Camarosa and Monterrey had the greatest overall concentration of volatiles. Sweet Charlie, Albion, and Monterrey had the key combination of a complex and higher concentration of the major volatiles such as aldehydes, esters, lactones, and furanones. The results suggest that Camarosa, Albion, Monterrey, Chandler, and Sweet Charlie are varieties with preferred taste, which can be beneficial to growers of locally grown strawberries in Texas.

Sensory properties, volatiles, and non-volatiles using quantitative descriptive analysis and flavor instrumental analysis of ten strawberries grown in Texas

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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