Preharvest UV-C radiation impacts strawberry metabolite content and volatile organic compound production

•Preharvest UV-C application induces anthocyanin accumulation in external tissues.•UV-C increases but has an effect no tissue specific in vitamin C content.•Total of esters increases in external tissue in UV-C-treated strawberry.•Furaneol and mesifurane decreases in response to preharvest UV-C

UV-C radiation, widely known for preventing decay and increasing fruit quality, was applied to 'Camarosa' strawberries during cultivation (preharvest) and harvested fruits were divided into external and internal tissue portions. UV-C promoted increase in total polyphenolic and volatile organic content, mostly in proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and esters in external tissues. UV-C treatment increased vitamin C, but did not affect significantly SS, AT and, firmness. In contrast, furane and mesifurane, important volatile compounds for the aroma character of strawberry, decreased upon UV-C treatment.