Assessment of physico-chemical characteristics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch cv Camarosa) during fruit growth and development stages using principal component analysis

Purpose: The optimum harvest maturity for growers is depended on both product and marketing conditions. Non-climacteric fruits, especially strawberries, are generally harvested in fully ripen stage. The appearance, firmness, and phytonutrient compositions consist the main quality parameters in this fruits. In the present investigation, the strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch cv Camarosa) were harvested at seven different growth stages (50% growth, green, white, turning, 50% turning, ripening, over ripen) and evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics. Research method: Correlation of parameters and growth stages were investigated by the statistical approach the principal component analysis (PCA). Findings: Results revealed an increase in the total soluble solids (TSS: 11.5 Brix) and decrease in titratable acidity (TA: 0.85 mg citric acid/100 g FW) and fruit firmness (1.27 N) parameters. The phenolic (151.43 mg GAE/g FW) and flavonoid contents (48.92 mg Q/100g FW) were decreased until turning stage, whilst the trend was increased afterwards. The vitamin C (AsA) amount was increased during ripening period, whereas it reached up to 42 mg ascorbic acid/100 g fresh weight in ripen fruit. The PCA plot indicated that increasing of the fruit ripening, TSS, AsA, and TAC (total anthocyanin concentrations) have been enhanced, although TA and Cl (chlorophyll) were declined. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: Optimum harvesting period is a considerable factor for both consumers and food industries, growth stages that it can be achieved to target production of fruits with stable and predicatble physical, chemical and phytochemical parameters.