title: Effect of gamma radiation on microbial safety and nutritional quality of kachri (Cucumis callosus).
abstract: Fresh dried and old (6-12 months) dried kachri (Cucumis callosus) were treated with 0, 2.5, 5 and 7 kGy of gamma radiation in a cobalt 60 gamma cell (GC-1200). The irradiated samples of kachri were stored at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C). Total bacterial count and nutrient composition were evaluated immediately after irradiation and at regular intervals of 1 month during 3 months of storage. Results indicated that gamma radiation reduced the total bacterial counts of dried samples of both fresh and old dried kachri. Dose of 5.0 kGy was sufficient to eliminate total bacterial count and there was no microbial growth in 5.0 kGy irradiated samples during the storage period. No significant differences were observed in the proximate composition of both types of kachri at all irradiation doses. It was concluded that irradiation treatments of kachri improves keeping quality of both freshly dried and old dried Kachri.
authors.affiliation: Central Arid Zone Research Institute, RRS, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Nathawat
authors.affiliation: Radio Tracer Lab, S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: Priyanka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.affiliation: Radio Tracer Lab, S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: Brij Gopal
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Chhipa
authors.affiliation: Food Technology Divisions, BARC, Trombay, Mumbai, 400 085 India.
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hajare
authors.affiliation: Radio Tracer Lab, S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: Madhu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goyal
authors.affiliation: Radio Tracer Lab, S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sahu
authors.affiliation: Radio Tracer Lab, S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, 334 006 India.
authors.forename: Govind
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Singh
keywords: Gamma radiation; Kachri; Microbial safety; Nutrient composition