Color Change in Fresh Strawberry Fruit of Seven Genotypes Stored at 0C

Color change in fresh, ripe strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) fruit stored at 0C for up to 7 days was recorded using the Commission Internationale de l' Éclairage color space (L*, a*, and b*). External (skin) fruit color became darker and less chromatic but did not change hue. Internal (flesh) fruit color became darker and more chromatic. Regression coefficients calculated for individual genotypes were homogeneous for each of the color traits except internal hue. Depending on genotype, the red fruit flesh either became a bluer red or did not change hue. In all cases, rates of change were small. Color change for fresh strawberry fruit during several days of storage at 0C likely is not an appreciable source of error in plant breeding experiments.