For garden strawberries, shelf life is assessed through a complex of parameters, including flesh firmness measured by dynamometers or penetrometers, resistance to deformation, and the preservation of marketability in the post-harvest period. The trait is closely linked to transportability and the 'residual storage effect' at room temperature after unloading from cold storage.
Variety trials utilize a five-point evaluation scale, as well as the marketable yield percentage, where 65–90% is considered a high value for commercial varieties. Under normal conditions, the storage life is 1–2 days; with refrigeration or the use of a controlled atmosphere, it can be extended to 15–20 days.
Agrotechnical factors significantly influence this indicator: excess nitrogen reduces flesh firmness, while the application of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium contributes to improved shelf life. Harvesting for subsequent storage requires adherence to temperature regimes and careful picking, as any mechanical damage significantly reduces the berry's lifespan.
General information about the subject — on the page
Keeping quality.