Effect of gamma ray and electron beam irradiation on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Abstract

The present study was carried out on dried chamomile powder to compare yield of extraction, physicochemical characteristics and sensorial properties of extracts obtained from samples irradiated by gamma ray (GR) and electron beam (EB) at 10 kGy and 20 kGy. The results of the present study showed that radiation treatment with 10 kGy and 20 kGy of GR and EB did not affect significantly the yield of extraction. Also, the viscosity increased in the extract of samples treated with 20 kGy of GR and EB. However, both irradiation doses (10 kGy and 20 kGy) of GR and EB significantly increased the pH value, Mg concentration and L* value of color (lightness), and decrease the b* value of color (yellowness), but sensory qualities of all extract of the chamomile extracts samples were not significantly different depending on irradiation types and doses.