Stable isotope ratio analysis of different European raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants and strawberries

- 190 samples of different soft fruits from Italy, Romania and Poland were considered.
- Different soft fruits showed typical ranges for one or more isotopic ratios.
- δ13C and δ15N of pulp and δ18O of juice are influenced by the geographical origin.
- Covering of the crop has a significant effect on juice δ18O.
- Fertilisation practices have an effect on pulp δ15N.

To date the stable isotope ratios of berries have never been extensively explored. In this work the H, C, N and O isotopic ratios of 190 samples of different soft fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and currants) produced in a northern Italian region and at two sites in Romania and Poland collected over three harvest years are presented and discussed.The different soft fruits showed a typical range for one or more isotopic parameters that can be used to verify the authenticity of the fruit composition declared on the label. The δ13C and δ15N of pulp and the δ18O of juice can be considered effective tools for identifying the different geographical origin of fruit. A significant effect of crop cover on juice δ18O and fertilisation practices on pulp δ15N was demonstrated and must be considered with attention when evaluating data.