Quality Properties of Gamma Irradiated Samjang, Seasoned Soybean Paste during Storage

The effect of gamma-irradiation on quality changes of Samjang, Korean traditional seasoned soy paste, was studied. Samjang was prepared, irradiated at 0, 2.5, 5, 10 kGy, and then stored at and , respectively. Non-irradiated control, sample 2%- ethanol added and sample heated at for 30 min were prepared with the same conditions to be compared. The results showed that yeasts were completely eliminated by gamma-irradiation with dose at 2.5 kGy or more, and total bacteria decreased by 5 log cycles with doses at 10 kGy, showing a significant decrease during storage. The gamma irradiation treatment showed repressive effect on the swelling by gas production and browning formation of Samjang during storage. Also, the indicators of enzyme activity, such as amino nitrogen, protease activity and pH change in the gamma irradiation treatment were more stable than control. The sensory evaluations showed that irradiated samples were more acceptable. Therefore, it was considered that gamma irradiation was effective for processing Samjang and for maintaining better quality during subsequent storage.