Preliminary evaluation of Italian everbearing strawberry cultivars using a qualitative integrated approach

This study evaluated the texture profile analysis, total soluble solids (TSS) and the fruit skin colour of four day neutral strawberry cultivars cultivated in Italy (Anabelle, Murano*, Portola* and Triumph) at four harvest times. The interrelationships of the analysed parameters was determined using principal component analysis to suggest the best commercial scenario (local market, supermarket retailer or export) for each cultivar. Data analysis related to texture characteristics and TSS contents showed Anabelle, Portola* and Murano* as unique, while Triumph showed lower characteristics. Due to the lowest hardness and cohesiveness values Anabelle could be suggested for a short supply chain; Portola* could met the requirements of a long supply chain, due to its high hardness and low TSS (P £ 0.05); Murano* was differentiated from the other cultivars by its high luminosity (ranged from 41.46-46.21 L*) while Triumph due its darkness (36.83-37.13. L*) could be suitable for a local/farmers’ market.