Chemical composition of Boletus pinophilus and Clitocybe subconnexa: preservation with gamma irradiation
Conference Paper
Overview
Overview
abstract
The short shelf life of mushrooms is a barrier for their distribution and, therefore, there has been
extensive research to find technologies that ensure the preservation of mushrooms, maintaining
their organoleptic and nutritional properties (1]. Irradiation has proved its technological
feasibility to be safely used in the reduction of food losses, being recognized by international
organizations as a valid conservation alternative in extending shelflife of many foods. The aim of
the present work was to validate the use of 2 kGy dose of gamma radiation to maintain chemical
composition of wild mushrooms. Boletus pinophilus Pihit & Dermek and Clitocybe subconnexa
Murrill wild samples were obtained in Tnis-os-Montes; subsequently, the samples were divided
in two groups: control (non-irradiated, 0 kGy) and irradiated (2 kGy). The irradiation of the
samples was performed in a 6°Co experimental chamber. Moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates
and ash were determined following the standard procedures [2]. Free sugars and tocopherols were
determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a refraction index detector
(HPLC-RI) and a fluorescence detector, respectively; fatty acids were determined by gas-liquid
chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) [3]. The protein and ash content was
preserved in both groups, although the sugars and tocopherols decreased in the irradiated
samples. Sugars and fatty acids showed significant changes after irradiation treatment,
particularly in B. pinophillus, nevertheless, the magnitude of the obtained differences did not
seem to be sufficient to affect the chemical profiles of the assayed mushrooms.
Overall, the detected chemical changes might be considered as allowable, in view of the high
advantages offered by gamma irradiation at decontamination and/or disinfestation level.
