ANALYSIS OF SUGARS FROM STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS OF COMMERCIAL INTEREST - CONTENTS EVOLUTION

Cultivars of different origins: Camarosa, Carslbad, Cartuno, Cartdos, Cartres, Cartcua, Chandler, Clea, Cuesta, Laguna, Oso Grande, Sunset, Sweet Charlie and Tudla, were evaluated in Huelva (Spain) for their commercial traits and fruit quality. Fruits at commercial maturity were harvested at the middle and at the end of the season. The material was kept in a cold store at 4°C during 4 days.

Sugar content (glucose, fructose and sucrose) was determined by HPLC before and after cold storage. At the same time, organoleptic tests were carried out according to the protocol for the European Network for Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation. During the cold storage, sucrose content showed great variation and it was hydrolized; whereas reducing sugar content (glucose and fructose) increased. Values for total soluble sugars and titratable acidity are discussed, including sugar/acid ratio and fructose/glucose ratio.