Document details

Gamma irradiation preservation of chestnut fruits: effects on color and texture

Author(s): Antonio, Amilcar L. ; Fernandes, Ângela ; Bento, Albino ; Ferreira, Armando ; Trigo, M.J. ; Botelho, M. Luísa ; Quintana, Begoña ; Ramalhosa, Elsa

Date: 2013

Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/9164

Origin: Biblioteca Digital da UPB

Project/scholarship: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/SFRH/SFRH/BD/76019/2011/PT;

Subject(s): Chestnut fruits; Food irradiation; Color; Texture


Description

Chestnuts are a seasonal fruit that must be postharvest treated to meet food safety regulations. In this study the effect of gamma irradiation on color and texture of chestnut fruits from a European variety (Castanea sativa Miller) was reported. The fruits were subjected to gamma irradiation doses of 0.5, 3 and 6 kGy, with color and texture properties analyzed along a typical commercial period for this fruit after postharvest treatment, at 0, 15 and 30 days of storage. For L and b color parameters, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed with irradiation dose (ID) only for higher doses of 3 kGy and 6 kGy. Along storage time (ST) significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for fruits interior (half-cutted) after 15 days of storage. Regarding texture, differences on fruits were only detected for chestnuts irradiated with 6 kGy. With this study we can identify the maximum acceptable dose for irradiation processing of these fruits, concluding that gamma irradiation could be a promising alternative technology for postharvest disinfestation of European chestnuts varieties, to meet food safety international trade regulations, not affecting significantly two important parameters for the consumer, the color and texture.

Document Type Journal article
Language English
Contributor(s) Biblioteca Digital da UPB
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