Chlorogenic acid helps preserve Camarosa strawberry quality

Applying chlorogenic acid could help extend strawberry shelf life after harvest. Research published in the Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research investigated the effects of this compound on the physical and biochemical quality of Camarosa strawberries stored at 4°C for 16 days.

The research team, comprising Farhang Razavi, Negar Mohammadi Pour, Azizollah Kheiry and Zeinab Asle-Mohammadi from the University of Zanjan in Iran, tested four chlorogenic acid concentrations: 25, 50, 75 and 100 micromoles per litre (µM). During storage, the researchers assessed firmness, decay incidence, antioxidant capacity, enzyme activity and several oxidative stress indicators.

Improved firmness and delayed deterioration

The results showed that the treatments, particularly those at 75 and 100 µM, helped maintain fruit firmness and delayed the appearance of decay symptoms. Treated strawberries also retained higher levels of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proline, which are associated with plant defence responses.

The study also found lower accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, as well as reduced electrolyte leakage. These indicators are associated with oxidative damage and disruption of cell membranes, so their lower levels suggest better tissue preservation during storage.

Strengthening antioxidant defences

Treated strawberries showed greater activity of key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. According to the researchers, this response improves tolerance to oxidative stress and may partly explain the preservation observed in the fruit.

Overall, the findings suggest that chlorogenic acid has potential as a postharvest treatment to maintain the physical and biochemical quality of strawberries during refrigeration. However, the trial was limited to the Camarosa cultivar under controlled storage conditions. The authors note that further research under commercial conditions is needed to confirm its effectiveness and assess its suitability for wider application.

Sources

Razavi, F., Mohammadi Pour, N., Kheiry, A., & Asle-Mohammadi, Z. (2026). Enhancing postharvest quality and antioxidant enzyme activities in Camarosa strawberries by chlorogenic acid treatment during cold storage. Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research, 9(4), 517–534. https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2026.9777.1550