ABSTRACT The effect of gamma irradiation (0, 10, 20 and 30 kGy) and storage periods (0, 6 and 12 months) on physic-chemical characteristics of thyme meal oils (ThMO) was investigated. Consistent increase was observed in acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV) and 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value of irradiated and stored ThMO samples along with increasing irradiation doses and storage periods. The iodine value (IV) of the irradiated and stored ThMO samples increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing irradiation doses and storage periods. While, the irradiation doses and storage periods did not cause any significant change in saponification value (SV) of ThMO. There were no significant differences in the refractive index (RI) values between irradiated and non-irradiated ThMO samples. However, storage periods affected RI of irradiated ThMO. Gamma irradiation did not exert a significant negative effect on the physico-chemical parameters of the ThM. The results of the present study suggest an alternative method for decontaminating and preserving ThM.
Buy this Article
|