The Effect of Nutrition on the Flavour of Strawberries Grown Under Protection.

Abstract

The superior flavour of strawberries grown in the brown earth soils in Ireland compared with those grown on podsolics derived from calcium rich chalk has been recognised by UK wholesalers for some time. The strawberry variety Elsanta is the most common variety grown in both regions and it is reasonable to conclude that environmental factors especially soil type are mainly responsible for the superior flavour of strawberries grown on brown earth soils. The differences in soil pH, calcium and potassium concentrations were used as the main basis in drafting a research project investigating the effect of nutrition on the flavour of strawberries. A research project on the effect of nutrition on the flavour of strawberries under protection was undertaken at Clonroche in 1997.