Quality and Chemical Changes Associated with Flavor of ‘Camarosa’ Strawberries in Response to a CO2-enriched Atmosphere

Abstract

Quality and chemical changes associated with flavor were evaluated in ‘Camarosa’ strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) that had been kept at 5 °C in air or in air + 20 kPa CO2 for 3 and 6 days to elucidate possible factors contributing to the loss of flavor during storage. The elevated CO2 treatment did not affect flesh firmness, total soluble solids, pH, or titratable acidity. In contrast, decreases in color (as indicated by a higher hue angle value) and in concentrations of sucrose, reducing sugars, and citric acid were detected in fruits exposed to elevated CO2. Fermentative metabolites were present in strawberries stored in air and in higher concentration in those kept in air + 20 kPa CO2. Also, strawberries kept in air + 20 kPa CO2 had higher levels of ethyl esters and a major reduction in the level of methyl esters. Thus, clear differences in the aroma profile of strawberries at harvest and after 3 and 6 days of storage at 5 °C in air or air + 20 kPa CO2 were observed. This change in the volatile aroma profile is probably the primary factor contributing to the loss of strawberry flavor during storage.