Storage Stability of Strawberry Products Manufactured from Mechanically-harvested Strawberries1

Abstract

Three cultivars of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cvs. Cardinal, A-5344, and Earlibelle) were harvested once-over by machine in 1975 and 1976 and separated into green and ripe fruit. Preserves and jam were manufactured from different combinations of sliced, ripe fruits, puree from ripe and from green fruit, then stored at 2°, 24° and 35°C for 0, 4 and 9 months. There were differences among cultivars and treatments in color attributes and sensory quality but both preserves and jams were highly acceptable from all cultivars and treatments. The greatest change in color and sensory quality was caused by storage at 35° for 4 and 9 months. Green fruit did not affect storage stability and development of browning. As much as half immature, green fruit can be used in the manufacture of preserves and jams without affecting quality in highly-colored cultivars.