Effect of gamma irradiation on microbiological, chemical and sensory characteristics of aniseed (anisum vulgare)

Seeds of ansium were exposed to doses of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kGy in a 60Co package irradiator, Irradiated and unirradiated samples were stored at room temperature. Microbial population on seeds, dissolved organic and inorganic solids in extract and sensory properties of extract were evaluated after 0, 6 and 12 months of storage. The results indicated that gamma irradiation reduced the aerobic plate counts. Immediately after irradiation, the dissolved organic solids in extract of irradiated seeds were higher than those of non-irradiated ones. The dissolved organic matter in extract of irradiated and un-irradiated ansium seeds increased. After 6 and 12 months of storage. There were no significant differences in dissolved solids between the extract of irradiated and non-irradiated ansium seeds. Sensory evaluation indicated that gamma irradiation improved sensory characteristics of ansium seed extract tested immediately after irradiation; however, after 12 months of storage, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in color, taste or odor between extract of irradiated and unirradiated ansium seeds. (author)