The effects of shading developing fruits up to harvest on strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duchesne) cv. 'Ostara' fruit quality were studied. Plants were shaded with netting of different levels of light penetration (74, 58, 48, 38 and 5 % which are denoted by S(J> Sp S^ S3 and S4 respectively). Results showed that effects could only be detected when plants were subjected to a very low level of light intensity, S4. Location of fruits on the plant affected the fresh fruit weight, surface glossiness and fruit firmness significantly. Fruits shaded by leaves were heavier and able to retain surface glossiness longer than exposed fruits.