Effects of γ-irradiation on the flavour of dry shiitake (lentinus edodes sing)

Dry shiitake (Lentinus edodes Sing) was irradiated with doses of 5 and 10 kGy using ⁶⁰Co. The total volatile compounds were decreased by more than 50%. Irradiation increased the concentrations of some minor volatile compounds, such as 3-methyl-2-butanol and I-hexanol. However, the major flavour compounds including eight-carbon and sulphur-containing compounds were significantly reduced. The ratio of the eight-carbon compounds, such as 3-octanone, 3-octanol and 1-octen-3-ol, to total volatiles decreased from 72% in the control to 21% in the 10 kGy irradiated samples. The unidentified compounds which may have been formed by decomposition or polymerization following irradiation of precursors need to be studied in greater depth.     

Improving fresh and processed garlic by irradiation under different storage conditions

Hungarian garlic bulbs were irradiated with gamma rays (0.15 kGy) and stored at 20, 4 and ?20 °C for 8 months. At the end of storage period, marketable value of bulbs increased especially with those kept under low temperatures, whereas the storage at room temperature (20 °C) produced high losses in bulbs due to infestation and/or infection in unirradiated but less in irradiated samples. Gas chromatographic analysis of volatile oils revealed the presence of 18 compounds. Diallyl disulphide and diallyl trisulphide compounds were cleary identified. Irradiation induced reduction in the percentages of these compounds especially for the first one. Cold or freezing treatment preserved the volatile sulphur contents on garlic cloves at their maximum value. Also, subsequently drying of irradiated cloves resulted in better quality than those unirradiated before drying process. It is concluded that irradiation as an alternative preservation method is useful in the improvement of storeability of fresh or dried garlic bulbs during long storage period.     

Sensorial,nutritional and microbiological quality of fresh cilantro leaves as influenced by ionizing radiation and storage

The impact of gamma irradiation on aroma, appearance, nutritional, textural, and microbiological quality attributes of fresh cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) was investigated. Irradiation at doses up to 2 kGy did not significantly influence aroma, amount of total volatile compounds, color or overall visual quality. Although firmness of cilantro was reduced by irradiation at day 0, there was no significant difference among treatments after 3, 7 and 14 days of storage at 3 °C. Irradiation did not have a consistent effect on antioxidant power or phenolic content during the 14-day storage. In contrast, vitamin C content was lower at day 14 in samples irradiated at 2 and 3 kGy. Cilantro irradiated at 3 kGy had higher decay rate and off-odor scores than other samples after 14 days of storage. The total aerobic plate count of irradiated cilantro was significantly lower than that of nonirradiated controls immediately after irradiation and during the entire storage period. Our results suggest that fresh cilantro irradiated at 2 kGy retained its sensorial quality and shelf life.     

Effects of low dose gamma irradiation on microbial inactivation and physicochemical properties of fried shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Changes in microbiological, physicochemical and sensory properties of shrimp gamma irradiated with ⁶⁰Co at doses of 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 kGy were investigated. Irradiation at 6 kGy eliminated most of the spoilage microorganisms and did not affect sensory quality. The L* value increased as irradiation dose increased, while a* value decreased as irradiation dose increased. Irradiation had no significant effect on the texture of shrimp samples; however, increasing the dose up to 9 kGy significantly increased the amount of volatile compounds, such as, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, and oxides. According to the total sensory points, the appearance and flavour of the shrimp product was considered as acceptable by sensory evaluation when irradiated at doses of 0–6 kGy. These results showed that gamma irradiation processing (<6 kGy) had the potential to extend the shelf life of fried shrimp.     

Effects of Irradiation on the Volatile Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativumL)

The effects of 0·15 kGy gamma irradiation on the content of volatile compounds in garlic bulbs during storage at room temperature were evaluated. The content of diallyl disulphide decreased immediately after irradiation. However, at the end of 8-month storage both irradiated and unirradiated samples showed a significant increase in diallyl disulphide.     

Low-Dose Irradiation Improves Microbial Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Mint (Mentha piperita L.) without Compromising Visual Quality

ABSTRACT: The effects of low-dose irradiation (0.25 to 2 kGy) and postirradiation storage (at 4 °C) on microbial and visual quality, color values (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue [°]), and chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl) of fresh mint were evaluated. Samples inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and MS2 bacteriophage were irradiated and evaluated. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella populations were reduced by 2 to 2.4, 3.5, and 5.8 log CFU/g, respectively, 1 d after treatment with 0.25, 0.60, and 1 kGy, respectively, and were completely eliminated at 2 kGy. None of the irradiation doses (P < 0.0001) reduced MS2 bacteriophage populations by more than 0.60 log PFU/g. Irradiation doses did not affect visual quality and samples remained of excellent to good quality (score 7.75 to 9) for up to 9 d of storage. Irradiation at 0.60, 1, and 2 kGy increased (P < 0.0001) Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl. Both total Chl and Chl a decreased significantly after 3 d of storage. Significant decreases in Chl b were not observed until day 12 of storage. Color values (L*, b*, and chroma) were not significantly different until day 6 of storage and hue (°) remained unchanged (179°) for the entire storage period of 12 d. Overall, irradiation did not change L*, a*, b*, or chroma. These results demonstrate that irradiation of fresh mint at 2 kGy has the potential to improve its microbial quality and extend its shelf life without compromising its visual quality and color. Practical Application: Mints and other raw fresh herbs are widely used for flavoring as well as garnish in a variety of dishes without further cooking. However, mint is one considered as one of the high-risk herbs when it comes to microbial contamination. We have evaluated the use of gamma irradiation treatment at very low doses ranging from 0 to 2 kGy to eliminate seeded Salmonella spp, E. coli O157:H7, and MS2 bacteriophage, a surrogate of hepatitis A virus. We found that low-dose irradiation (1.0 to 2.0 kGy) appears to be a promising method for improving the microbiological quality of fresh mint without compromising its visual and color attributes. This method may be applied to many popular fresh culinary herbs that are commonly used as garnishes in Asian cuisine.     

Influence of gamma irradiation on growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and quality of cig kofte, a traditional raw meat product

Cig kofte is a traditional Turkish food containing raw ground meat. Samples inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 were irradiated at 0.5–6 kGy with a ⁶⁰Co source and stored at 4 and 25 °C. Total aerobic mesophilic count decreased with increasing irradiation doses, D₁₀ value was 0.83 kGy. Escherichia coli O157:H7 count decreased from 5.1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1 to an undetectable level (<1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1) after 1‐day storage at 4 °C following irradiation at 2 kGy, D₁₀‐value was 0.29 kGy. Irradiation doses up to 2 kGy did not affect sensory quality after 1 day. There was colour loss in samples irradiated at 2 kGy or above and stored for longer periods. Storage of the irradiated products at abused temperature must be avoided for safety assurance. Irradiation at 2 kGy has a great potential for extending the shelf‐life of cig kofte and assuring safety by decreasing the number of E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria, but further studies with suitable package designs are needed to decrease quality degradation during extended storage.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on the physico‐chemical and sensory properties of raw shelled peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) and pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.)

Backround The present study evaluated the quality of raw peanuts and pistachio nuts as a function of irradiation dose in order to determine dose levels causing minimal undesirable changes to these products. Physico‐chemical (colour, peroxide value, hexanal content, fatty acid composition, volatile compounds) and sensory (colour, texture, odour, taste) properties of raw peanuts and pistachio nuts were determined after irradiation at doses up to 7 kGy. Results Results showed an eight‐ and seven‐fold increase in peroxide value and a twelve and five‐fold increase in hexanal content after irradiation at a dose of 7 kGy for peanuts and pistachio nuts, respectively. An increase was also observed in saturated fatty acids (20.51–28.28% and 15.24–24.87%) with a parallel decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (79.49–71.72% and 84.76–75.13%) for peanuts and pistachio nuts, respectively. Likewise, volatile compounds such as aldehydes, alkanes, ketones and alcohols comprising secondary oxidation products of peanut and pistachio nut lipids increased after irradiation. Pistachio nut colour parameter a* and to a lesser extent parameters, L* and b* decreased after irradiation leading to a slight but noticeable darkening in product colour while colour parameter L*, b* and a* of raw peanut remained unchanged by irradiation up to 7 kGy. Conclusion Based on sensory evaluation, peanuts and pistachio nuts become unacceptable for consumption when irradiated at doses higher than 3 kGy. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

OPTIMIZING ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION OF "TOMMY ATKINS" MANGOES (MANGIFERA INDICA L.)

We determined the optimum irradiation treatment for decontamination of physiologically mature fresh “Tommy Atkins” mangoes, without detriment to the fruits' sensory and chemical properties. Mangoes were irradiated at 1.0, 1.5 and 3.1 kGy using a 10‐MeV linear accelerator (14‐kW LINAC, double beam mode). Mangoes were stored for 21 days at 12C and 62.7% relative humidity with nonirradiated fruits as controls. Dose distribution within the fruit was determined using Monte Carlo techniques. Irradiation did not affect the overall sensory quality of mangoes at doses up to 1.5 kGy. Only fruits irradiated at 3.1 kGy were unacceptable by the panelists. Irradiation at 3.1 kGy enhanced the fruit's aroma characteristics. Irradiation at all levels caused a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease (～50–70%) in ascorbic acid content by the end of storage. Mangoes irradiated at 1.5 and 3.1 kGy had slightly higher levels of phenolics than the control (27.4 and 18.3%, respectively). E‐beam irradiation of Tommy Atkins mangoes up to 3.0 kGy causes no detriment to the fruit's overall sensory and chemical quality.     

Elimination of Listeria monocytogenes and changes in physical and sensory qualities of a prepared meal following gamma irradiation

The increase in demand for ready-to-eat foods and recent events involving Listeria contamination in such foods have indicated that processes which can enhance product safety are needed. This study was designed to investigate the effects of irradiation on a prepared meal contaminated with a known foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes.The product consisting of Salisbury steak, gravy and mashed potatoes was contaminated with L. monocytogenes, irradiated at doses of 0·8, 2·9 and 5·7 kGy, and stored at 4°C for 3 weeks.Listeria was not recovered from any sample at any time point, even after selective enrichment, for product treated at 5·7 kGy which represented a greater than a six-log cycle reduction. Treatment with 2·9 kGy reduced the pathogen by over five logs but treatment with 0·8 kGy was not very effective, only reducing counts by approximately one log. In samples where Listeria survived, counts increased during refrigerated storage. Irradiation with 5·7 kGy also effectively eliminated the background aerobic and yeast and mold populations for the duration of the study. Lower doses have less of an effect on these populations.Instrumental measurements of texture and color revealed no effect of irradiation dose. Furthermore, sensory tests revealed that the irradiated meals were no less acceptable than non-irradiated meals. It appears that irradiation at 5·7 kGy is an effective means of improving safety and extending shelf-life without causing adverse effects on quality.     

Degradation of the natural mutagenic compound safrole in spices by cooking and irradiation

Safrole was determined using gas-liquid chromatography in some common spices as star anise, cumin, black pepper and ginger. Safrole concentration in these spices was 9325, 3432, 955 and 500 mg · kg^?1, respectively. Black pepper was chosen to use in the following experiments. Using Ames-test with Salmonella TA 98 and TA 100 proved high cytotoxic effects due to pure safrole and black pepper volatile oil in both of them. The degradation of safrole was obvious after drying of the washed seeds of black pepper especially at 70 °C for 30 min or with sun-drying. Also, high irradiation doses (20 and 30 kGy) caused high degradation of more than 90% of the initial toxic concentration in black pepper. Whereas, microwave caused same effects at 75 s, but unfortunately, the powder was burned due to moisture absence. Boiling whole seeds or powder of black pepper during cooking for few minutes (1-5 min) were more efficient in decreasing safrole content. Finally, these results proved that the mutagenicity of some spices due to presence of safrole can be destructed during drying of the washed seeds or during cooking either with or without any additional treatment as irradiation. But irradiation of these spices became more necessary for using in some food industries as milk products to get more safe for human consumption.     

Phenolic compounds and the colour of oranges subjected to a combination treatment of waxing and irradiation

The effects of waxing, irradiation doses and storage on phenolic compounds and colour of irradiated oranges were investigated. Mature oranges (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck var Maroc late) waxed or unwaxed were treated with 0, 1 or 2 kGy radiation and stored up to 9 weeks at 20 °C and 40–50% RH. Colour of the oranges, total phenols and flavones in the peel were measured. Phenolic compounds increased with irradiation dose and storage time. Hue angle, L* value and chroma of the orange colour were more affected by waxing and storage time than the irradiation treatment. Changes in the phenolic compounds were linked with changes in the redness and saturation of the orange colour. Irradiation stimulated synthesis of flavones; waxing controlled changes induced by irradiation. These results may aid in maintaining the quality and safety of oranges during storage. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of γ-irradiaton on the volatile compounds of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer)

The volatile compounds of non-irradiated and 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 kGy γ-irradiated roots of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer) were isolated by simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) technique and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 61 volatile compounds belonging to the chemical classes of acid (2), alcohol (16), aldehyde (8), ester (6), furan (2), hydrocarbon (14), ketone (10) and N-containing compounds (3) were identified in non-irradiated licorice. The prime volatile compound of licorice was 2-ethoxy-1-propanol, which makes up to 22.82% of the total composition. Over a dose of 1 kGy, another compound, benzaldehyde appeared, whereas other compounds, 3,5-dimethyl octane and phenethyl alcohol, disappeared at the dose of 20 kGy. Though the content of several volatile compounds increased after γ-irradiation, the content of major volatile compounds such as 4-terpineol, myrtenal, tetramethylpyrazine, hexanoic acid, azulene and p-cymene decreased. In comparison to non-irradiated licorice, 10 kGy dose of irradiation induced the maximum level of total yield of volatile compounds by 12%, but slightly decreased at 20 kGy. Therefore, the application of γ-irradiation is feasible without major qualitative and quantitative loss of volatile compounds when exposed at 10 kGy.     

熟制对虾虾仁的辐照保鲜

对熟制对虾虾仁食品低剂量(1、3、6、9kGy)60Coγ辐照试验结果表明,低剂量辐照足以杀灭高污染的腐败菌、致病菌。其中枯草芽孢菌的辐照钝化系数大,对辐照较不敏感。辐照对于延长产品的货架期效果明显。辐照会引起产品一系列理化性质的变化,主要表现为会在一定程度上引起产品中的营养物质、风味物质、质构和色泽等发生变化。感官评定结果表明,6kGy以下剂量辐照样品的感官指标的变化可以为消费者所接受。     

Shelf‐life extension of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets by combined γ‐irradiation and refrigeration: microbiological,chemical and sensory changes

The combined effect of γ‐irradiation and refrigeration on the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of non‐irradiated and irradiated fish samples using low‐dose irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Fish species such as sea bream and sea bass are very popular in the Mediterranean countries due to their high quality characteristics, and their preservation is a constant challenge given their extreme perishability. Irradiation (3 kGy) dramatically reduced populations of bacteria, namely, total viable counts (3 vs 7 log cfu g^?1) for the non‐irradiated samples, Pseudomonas spp (<2 vs 7.6 log cfu g^?1), H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens (<2 vs 5.9 log cfu g^?1), Enterobacteriaceae (<2 vs 6.0 log cfu g^?1) and lactic acid bacteria (<2 vs 3.5 log cfu g^?1) after 10 days of storage. The effect was more pronounced at the higher dose (3 kGy). Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens showed higher sensitivity to γ‐radiation than did the rest of the microbial species. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, Trimethylamine (TMA) values of non‐irradiated sea bream increased very slowly, whereas for irradiated samples significantly lower values were obtained reaching a final value of 7.9 and 6.3 mg N per 100 g muscle at 1 and 3 kGy respectively (day 42). Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values increased slowly attaining a value of 67.3 mg N per 100 g for non‐irradiated sea bream during refrigerated storage, whereas for irradiated fish, lower values of 52.8 and 43.1 mg N per 100 g muscle were recorded (day 42). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective non‐irradiated fish and increased slowly until day 21 of storage, reaching final values of 1.1 (non‐irradiated), 2.0 (1 kGy) and 2.2 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 muscle (3 kGy), respectively (day 42). Sensory evaluation showed a good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of overall acceptability scores (sensory evaluation) a shelf‐life of 28 days (3 kGy) was obtained for vacuum‐packaged sea bream, compared with a shelf‐life of 9–10 days for the non‐irradiated sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The irradiation of spices, packaging materials and luncheon meat to improve the storage life of the end products

Spices and packaging materials were exposed to γ‐irradiation at a dose of 10 kGy. Luncheon meat was prepared with irradiated or non‐irradiated spices and packaged in irradiated or non‐irradiated packaging materials. Packaged luncheon meat was treated with 2 kGy. Irradiated and non‐irradiated packaged luncheon meat were kept in a refrigerator (1–4 °C) for 12 months. Microbiological, nutritive and chemical characteristics of luncheon were evaluated after processing and during storage; whereas, sensory quality was evaluated only after irradiation. γ‐Irradiation decreased the microbiological counts of spices, packaging materials and packed products and increased its shelf‐life. No significant differences in moisture, protein, fat, pH value, total acidity, lipid peroxide and volatile basic nitrogen were observed as a result of irradiation. Sensory evaluation showed that all the combinations of treated luncheon meats were acceptable. However, the taste, odour, appearance and texture scores of irradiated packaged products were significantly lower than those of non‐irradiated samples.     

电子束辐照对蟹肉嗅感及其关键气味物质的影响

为分析电子束辐照对蟹肉嗅感的影响及利用电子束辐照技术消减蟹肉过敏性提供依据。研究1、3、5、7、9?kGy电子束辐照对细点圆趾蟹蟹肉感官、挥发性风味及相对气味活度值的影响。结果发现,辐照后蟹肉嗅感有一定变化,感官评分随辐照剂量的增加而有所降低;电子鼻分析结果显示,1、3、5?kGy组蟹肉的嗅感变化不显著,7、9?kGy组蟹肉的嗅感变化显著;经1、3、5、7、9?kGy剂量辐照,通过气相色谱-质谱联用仪鉴定到的蟹肉挥发性风味成分的种数由对照组的55?种分别增至60、57、62、60?种和58?种,但辐照对蟹肉中起关键和有修饰作用的气味物质的种类基本没有影响。总之,经5?kGy及以下剂量辐照,蟹肉能较好地保持其原有嗅感,7?kGy和9?kGy辐照会导致轻微异味的产生。     

Gamma-irradiation as a method of microbiological control,and its impact on the oxidative labile lipid component of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cannabis sativa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helianthus annus</Emphasis>

The effect of irradiation (0–20 kGy) on hemp and sunflower seeds was assessed, with specific reference to the oxidatively labile lipid component (unsaturated fatty acids and tocochromanols). Total protein, lipid, and solids content of the seeds did not vary with irradiation dose. Lipid hydroperoxide concentration increased significantly in the sunflower seeds (48 mmol kg⁻¹ lipid) and a significant increase in volatile secondary oxidation products was measured in both seeds (e.g. hexanal, heptanal, 1-penten-3-ol) with increasing irradiation dose. Irradiation at 5 kGy sterilised the seeds of all microbial contamination and irradiation doses of 20 kGy prevented germination. A loss of the antioxidant tocopherol was shown with increasing irradiation doses, although this was selective for specific tocopherol isoforms (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol).     

Effect of irradiation on the microbiological status and flavouring materials of selected spices

Spices from Egyptian local markets were irradiated with different recommended doses (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kGy). The spices tested included dried leaves of marjoram (Majorana hortensis Moench), rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and powdered hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.). The study included the isolation and identification of micro-organisms in spices following their irradiation, as well as gas Chromatographic (GLC) chemical analysis for the presence and structure of volatile oils, pungent and pigment materials. The results showed that hot pepper was contaminated more (9.2 x 10⁵/g) than marjoram (4.2 x 10³/g) and ginger (14.3 x 10³/g) with respect to total aerobic bacterial content. The total contents of moulds were 4.8 x 10³/g, 5.7 x 10³/g and 19 x 10³/g in the same spices, respectively, but the pathogenic moulds and bacterial strains differed according to the type of spice. Irradiation at 10, 20 and 30 kGy caused complete elimination of micro-organisms, whereas 5 kGy was less effective. With the GLC method chosen 18 and 50 compounds could be detected in the extracts of marjoram and ginger, respectively; -terpinen and zingiberen being the major compounds in marjoram and ginger, respectively. A noticeable reduction was observed in the amount of terpenes present in irradiated marjoram; they were converted to monoterpe-nesalcohols. Ginger was more sensitive to irradiation, especially at high doses, but moderate changes were detected at low doses (5 and 10 kGy). A slight, but significant effect on the capsaicin (pungent compound) in hot pepper was observed following irradiation, whereas no changes in total pigments resulted at any dose. These results prove that 10 kGy is a sufficiently high dose to eliminate the microorganisms in spices, causing only slight changes in the flavouring materials.     

真空低温油炸和真空冷冻干燥对香菇脆片品质及挥发性风味成分的影响

利用真空低温油炸和真空冷冻干燥两种加工工艺制成香菇脆片,对其感官品质、营养成分进行对比分析,并进一步利用顶空固相微萃取结合气相色谱-质谱联用技术对两种香菇脆片挥发性风味成分进行比较。结果表明,真空冷冻干燥香菇脆片其硬度、脆度较大,体积皱缩率较小,颜色较白,感官品质较好,与此同时其营养成分保留较好。两种香菇脆片挥发性风味成分差异较大,主要体现在以醇、醛为主的八碳化合物以及酯类物质的差异上。真空冷冻干燥香菇脆片中共检测到45 种挥发性风味成分,真空低温油炸香菇脆片中共检测到31 种挥发性成分,其中真空冷冻干燥香菇脆片中1-辛烯-3-醇占6.37%、1,2,3,5,6-五硫杂环庚烷占2.02%,而这两种物质在真空低温油炸香菇脆片中未检出。此外,真空低温油炸香菇脆片中壬醛含量为真空冷冻干燥香菇脆片的7 倍,且酯类物质含量显著升高。两种香菇脆片中均检出较多烷烃类物质。