Minimization of residential microbial flora on spinach leaves using cobalt 60 to enhance its export potential.

Abstract

A leafy vegetable particularly spinach locally known as palak, has been part of human diet for many years. Pakistan stands among top ten spinach producing countries in the world and contributes considerably to the income. However, lack of proper storage facilities and microbial attack result in post-harvest losses. Food irradiation reduced storage losses, extended shelf life and improved microbiological and parasitological safety of foods. In present study, flat leaf variety of spinach was exposed to various gamma radiation doses (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 kGy). The microbial flora of spinach before and after irradiation was analyzed to determine significant changes in the population of spoilage microorganisms. In the present study 0.75 kGy proved to be the most beneficial in reducing the microbial flora without affecting the sensory properties of flat leaf spinach and extended the shelf life up to 4days. So, this study can be useful in shelf life enhancement for export purpose.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.12692/ijb/7.2.127-134

Journal

International Journal of Biosciences (IJB)

Year

2015