Shelf life extension to Litchi (Litchi chinensis) and overcoming quarantine barriers to international trade using radiation technology

摘要

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) has a very short shelf life of 2-3 days at ambient temperature limiting its marketability. Gamma radiation processing in combination with low temperature storage was explored as a method to achieve shelf life extension and fulfil quarantine requirement for export. During storage, physical, biochemical, microbiological, organoleptic, antioxidant and radioprotective properties of two major commercially grown Indian cultivars of litchi, 'Shahi' and 'China', were analyzed. Radiation treatment reduced microbial load in a dose dependent manner. Radiation (0.5 kGy) treated and low temperature stored fruits retained the "good" organoleptic rating till 28 days of storage while maintaining other quality attributes.