Efficiency of post-preparation treatment by gamma radiation to guarantee quality properties of plum molasses

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to assess specific gamma irradiation doses to be applied as a post-preparation process to assure the chemical, physical and sensory properties of plum molasses (PM).

Materials and methods

Samples of PM were treated with 0, 3, 6 and 9 kGy in a ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation plant. Proximate composition, chemical, the physical and sensory determination was accomplished immediately after treatment.

Results

Our results showed that, the moisture content of PM were significantly (p < .05) rise by treating with 3 kGy. Whereas, ash and reducing sugar quantity of PM was significantly (p < .05) decreased by treatment at the same dose (3 kGy). Irradiation treatment induced small and not significant alterations (p > .05) in crude protein, crud fat, and total sugar of PM. The chemical and physical parameters including; total acidity (TA), pH, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), total soluble solids (TSS) (%, Brix), viscosity and color, which were elected as the indicators of quality, were all well within the recommended values for PM treated with 0, 3, 6 and 9 kGy. Sensory determination indicated no significant (p > .05) alterations between irradiated samples and non-irradiated samples of PM.

Conclusion

Irradiation treatment at 3 kGy was considered as acceptable to be used for the preservation purpose of PM without modifying their quality properties.

Keywords:

• Irradiation
• molasses
• quality characteristics
• sensory properties

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Director General of the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria for his continues support. We thank the staff of the division of food irradiation for their assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported and funded by the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission.

Notes on contributors

Mahfouz Al-Bachir

Mahfouz Al-Bachir is working at the Department of Radiation Technology, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, Syria.

Yasser Othman

Yasser Othman is working at the Department of Radiation Technology, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, Syria.