Physical attributes and chemical composition of organic strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa Duch, Cv. Albion) at six stages of ripening.

Organic strawberry fruits (Cv. 'Albion') were harvested at six different ripening stages and evaluated for physical and chemical parameters. Biometrical characteristics and moisture content did not change significantly during ripening. Total soluble solids, pH and colour development increased while titratable acidity and fruit firmness decreased 14.7% and 91%, respectively. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose followed similar tendencies. Final contents of these sugars were 2323.4, 1988.5, and 1578.4 mg/100 g. Citric, malic, and ascorbic acids followed a descending, irregular, and increasing tendency during ripening, respectively. Final contents of these acids were 822.8, 245.8, and 78.1 mg/100 g. Total anthocyanins content (TAC) increased during ripening, while the opposite was observed for total phenolic content (TPC). TAC and TPC in ripe fruit were 56.4 mg/100g and 196 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g. Twenty eight phenolic compounds, mainly glycosides, were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. The concentration of these compounds was ripening dependent.