Effects of combination of packaging and irradiation on the nutmeg quality

An experiment has been done to determine the effects of packaging and irradiation on the quality of ground nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) during storage under tropical conditions. Samples were packed in various plastic foils i.e. polypropylene, nylon/polypropylene non-vacuum and vacuum, polyester/aluminium foil/polypropylene non-vacuum and vacuum, polyethylene, nylon/polyethylene, and cellophane/polyester (FV 1512). Parameters studied were weight loss, conditions of packaging, volatile oil content, peroxide value, TBA number and organoleptic score. The samples were irradiated with doses of 5 and 10 kGy then stored at 280C and 80-85% RH and examined after 0, 1 and 2 months storage. The results showed that irradiation doses up to 10 kGy did not affect the volatile oil content, peroxide value, TBA number and organoleptic score, but packaging materials and storage suffered significant effects. It could be concluded that ground nutmeg packed in nonvacuum laminate polyester/aluminium foil/polypropylene and irradiated with doses up to 10 kGy had the best quality. (author)