Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Strawberry Genotypes from Fragaria x ananassa

The aim of this study was to compare the value in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of two genotypesof strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, Duchesne, Rosaceae), one represented by the cultivatedvariety (cv) “Tudla” and the other one, “Maletto”, by a type selected in the mountain region of Etna (Italy).Moreover, we have considered the influence of soil on fruit quality. Total phenolic compounds and antocyanincontent were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Phenolics, recovered from pulp juice,were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas total anthocyanins were estimated by a pH differentialmethod. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ORAC assays, using quercetin and Troloxas standard respectively. Our results indicate that the different genotypes of strawberries, in particularthose cultivated in volcanic soil of the Etna mountain region, that we call “Maletto” strawberry, could beconsidered an important resource. They are a good source of antioxidants and could be used to preventdeleterious effects induced by free radicals. The scientific importance of these results may be significant forindustry concerning food quality and disease prevention.