Evaluation of Quality Properties of Gamma-irradiated Freeze-dried Fruits

감마선 조사에 따른 동결건조과일의 품질 특성 평가

The quality properties of freeze-dried apples, pears, strawberries and pineapples gamma-irradiated at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kGy were evaluated to develop germ-free products for immuno-compromised patients. The initial count of total aerobic bacteria in non-irradiated apples, pears, strawberries and pineapple was 2.5, 3.1, 2.6, and $3.2{\log}\;CFU{\cdot}g^{-1}$, respectively. Microorganisms were not observed in apples after 1 kGy, in pears and strawberries after 4 kGy, and in pineapples at 5 kGy within a detection limit of $10{\log}\;CFU{\cdot}g^{-1}$. In addition, the sterilization of each sample was confirmed at the same dose. The score for the overall acceptance of freeze-dried fruit irradiated at a sterilization dose was 5.5 for apples, 4.1 for pineapples, and 4.0 for the other fruits, whereas that of non-irradiated control sample was 5.6 for apples, 5.2 for pears, and 5.8 for strawberries and pineapples with a 7-point scale. As a result, gamma irradiation of 1 kGy for apples, 4 kGy for strawberries and pears, and 5 kGy for pineapples is sufficient to sterilize each freeze-dried fruit with acceptable sensory properties.