Quality and chemical composition of ten red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) genotypes during three harvest seasons

Colour and chemical composition of fruits of 10 red raspberry genotypes grown in Nordic climate during three harvest seasons were studied. The main phenolic compounds in the fruits were ellagitannins and anthocyanins, contributing 57% and 42% to the quantified phenolic compounds, respectively. Cyanidin-3-sophoroside was the most abundant anthocyanin (61%). All quality parameters were significantly affected by genotype. The genotypes could be categorised into three groups. ‘Veten’ and ‘RU984 06038’ were characterised by high concentrations of flavonoids, i.e., anthocyanins and quercetin glycosides, and dark red colour. ‘Octavia’, ‘Glen Magna’, ‘RU004 03067’, ‘Glen Ample’ and ‘RU974 07002’ were characterised by light colour, high titratable acids and low flavonoid concentrations. ‘Malling Hestia’, ‘RU024 01003’ and ‘RU004 04095’ had high content of dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and ellagic acid containing compounds, in addition to high hue and chroma values. All quality parameters, except ascorbic acid and lambertianin C, varied significantly between harvest seasons. The lowest seasonal variation in fruit quality was observed in ‘RU024 01003’ and ‘Glen Ample’ and the highest ‘RU004 03067’ and ‘Glen Magna’.