Comparison between Hydroponic and Soil-Grown Strawberries: Sensory Attributes and Correlations with Nutrient Content

Abstract

Hydroponic growing methods are growing in popularity and seem to have numerous benefits ( i.e. , environmental, increased product yields, year round growing) compared to soil grown crops. Although these advantages are attractive, they do not guarantee a high quality product. Taste is a driver of consumer acceptance; therefore, sensory analysis of the hydroponic product will be an important indicator in its success. In this study, we evaluated the sensory differences and preferences in hydroponically grown and soil-grown strawberries ( Fragaria x ananassa ) using unspecified discriminatory and preference analyses, and descriptive testing correlated with nutrition content data. Most (87%) of participants could identify differences between hydroponically and soil grown strawberries and 70% preferred the hydroponically grown strawberry (p = 0.06). The nutrient composition of the strawberries significantly influenced several sensory analysis categories (sweetness, overall flavor and overall taste (p < 0.05)). The use of sensory studies in relation to consumer acceptance and nutrient quality will be an important factor to consider for exploring growing methods and techniques in hydroponic technology.