Gamma radiation on the conservation of the pupunha (Bactris gasipaes HBK) minimally processed

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of gamma radiation on microorganisms and enzymatic darkness reaction of the minimally processed hart of palm pupunha (Bactris gasipaes HBK). The pupunha stalks came from Piraju county, State of Sao Paulo and at CENA/USP laboratory they were peeled and cut in small stalks into a solution of sodium chloride (2.5%) plus citric acid (0.8%). After packing in polyethylene bags the samples were irradiated with doses of 6, 8 and 10 kGy. The samples were storage for 14 days period under refrigeration (5 deg C), with analysis at the 1st, 7th and 14th day. No microorganism (bacteria, fungi or yeast) were detect in the irradiated samples during the the storage period. Through the a* e b* values the control sample showed a yellow-greenish color and the irradiated samples presented almost white. The pH values kept stable and the ratio values diminished for all treatments during the storage period. (author)