EFFECTS OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF KOREAN RED GINSENG POWDER

Gamma irradiation was applied to Korean red ginseng powder to improve its quality. Major physicochemical properties (approximate composition , pH, acidity, browning pigment, hydrogen donating activity, fatty aci ds, minerals and saponin) were not significantly changed by gamma irra diation up to 10 kGy. The TEA value was increased depending on the inc rement of irradiation dose level. In free amino acids, threonine was i ncreased while, serine and glutamic acid were decreased by gamma irrad iation. In total amino acids, total contents were not significantly ch anged by gamma irradiation though tyrosine was slightly decreased (P < 0.05). In free sugar, glucose, sucrose and maltose were significantly increased by 7.5 and 10 kGy gamma irradiation (P < 0.05). (C) 1997 El sevier Science Ltd.