Natural coloring red beetroot under effects of gamma radiation

Abstract

As color is an important attribute related to the visual appeal and quality of food products, the reduction of pigment losses during food processing is a basic concern for the industry. Based on this, the objective of this work was to evaluate the resistance of betalain from beet against the use of gamma radiation. Analyzes were carried out on pigments belonging to the betalain class on beets exposed to different doses of gamma radiation (Co60) using doses of 5, 10 and 15 kGy on beets, in addition to anon-irradiated sample for control. Color parameters were evaluated using the CIE L, a*, b * methodology, as well as the quantification of betalain in the samples. By of results the color parameters were affected in until 50% in relation the control. And the quantity betalain activity in the sample irradiated with doses of gamma radiation was more less 65% in relation the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a potential resistance of the betalain pigment in the face of high doses of radiation, which returns interest to red beetroot dyes since most pigments are fragile to thermal treatments or with ionizing radiation.