Quality characteristics and microbial safety evaluation of gamma irradiated almonds ( Prunus dulcis L.)

摘要

Almond ( Prunus dulcis L. ) is one of the important stone fruit grown in Pakistan and is a tremendous source of magnesium, copper, phosphorus, fiber, riboflavin, monounsaturated fatty acids and protein. Efficacy of gamma irradiation on Pakistani almonds was studied during the prese nt work. The samples were treated with four different doses (1, 3, 5 and 7kGy ) at radiation services of PARAS. Screening and evaluation of native micro flora on almonds was performed and the viable counts of Salmonella was determined before and after ga mma treatment. Furthermore, nutritional composition of irradiated and non - irradiated almonds was also compared by their ash, moisture, fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrate content. Results showed that 3 kGy is the optimum dose for almonds at which complet e elimination of Salmonella was recorded with no significant effect on nutritional value.