Strawberry Flavor and Aroma

To evaluate the flavor of garden strawberries, expert panels use a 5-point scale, where scores of 4.5–5.0 correspond to dessert-quality berries. Biochemical control involves measuring soluble solids (Brix): values below 7 °Brix indicate wateriness, while levels of 11 °Brix and above characterize premium produce. An important indicator is the sugar-acid index, which determines the balance between sweetness and acidity, while the specific aroma is associated with the presence of certain genetic markers, such as FaOMT and FaFAD1.

The development of flavor traits depends on the interaction between genotype and environmental conditions. A mild climate promotes better synthesis of sugars and aromatic compounds, while excessive irrigation during the fruit-filling stage leads to a decrease in dry matter concentration. There is a technological conflict between high flavor characteristics and requirements for berry firmness for transport, which forces breeders to balance between dessert qualities and the shelf life of varieties.