Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is among the most widely cultivated fruits with good taste and rich nutrients. Many strawberry species, including white strawberries, are planted all over the world. The metabolic profiles of strawberry and distinctions among different cultivars are not fully understood. In this study, non-targeted metabolomics based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was used to analysis the metabolites in 10 strawberry species. A total of 142 compounds were identified and were divided into six categories. Tochiotome may differ most from the white strawberry (Baiyu) by screening 72 differential metabolites. Histidine, apigenin, cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside had potential as biomarkers for distinguishing Baiyu and another 11 strawberry groups. Amino acid metabolisms, anthocyanin biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were mainly involved in the determination of the nutrition distinctions. This research contributes to the determination of the nutrition and health benefits of different strawberry species.
Keywords: UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS; amino acids; metabolomics; polyphenols; strawberry.