The Effect of Post-Harvest Calcium Chloride Applications on the Shelf Life Quality of Strawberry

Abstract

In the study; fruit skin color parameters, fruit flesh firmness and total soluable solid (TSS) ratios, as well as total acidity, total phenolic substance, total monomeric anth°Cyanin amounts and total antioxidant capacity were determined. After the fruits were harvested, they were immersed in three different doses (0-2-4%) of calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution for 5 minutes. The fruits removed from the solution were kept to dry. The fruits were stored for 14 days in a cold store with a temperature of 1-2°C and a relative humidity of 90±5%. Before the storage and on the 7th and 14th days of storage, the fruits samples were taken and kept on the shelves in the rooms with a temperature of 21±1°C and a relative humidity of 60±5%for 3 days. Measurements and analyses of fruit quality parameters were made in the samples taken from the fruits that were kept on the shelf for three days. As a result of the study, it was determined that 4%CaCl2 application was effective in maintaining fruit flesh firmness. In fruits kept on the shelf for 3 days after 14 days of storage, SSC of 4%CaCl2 treatment was found to be higher than the control treatment. Compared to the control, 4%CaCl2 caused a significant increase in the total phenol content. The highest total monomeric anth°Cyanin content and total antioxidant capacity was determined in the control treatment. While there were no significant changes in L* values between treatments, a* and b* values were found to be higher in 2%CaCl2 treatment. In the light of the data obtained, it was concluded that 4%CaCl2 application had a positive effect on the shelf life of strawberry fruits.