Effect of gamma irradiation on nutritional properties and antinutrient contents of Citrus jambhiri Lush. Fruits

Abstract

Kachai lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) is one of the most potential fruit crops in northeast India. The present study was conducted to improve the nutritional quality of Citrus jambhiri fruits under storage using permissible doses of gamma irradiation at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 kGy. Proximate content such as moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein and energy was increased at low doses of gamma rays (0.25-0.5 kGy) and decreased at higher doses (0.75-1.0 kGy). However, available carbohydrates and energy increased with increase in doses of gamma rays. The ascorbate content of fruit increased at 0.25 kGy and decreased at higher doses. Higher reduction in anti-nutrient content such as lipid peroxidation and tannin content was obtained at higher doses of 0.75-1.0 kGy. The results of the present study shed light on improving nutritional properties of C. jambhiri fruits under storage using gamma irradiation.