Organoleptic Quality of White Ginseng Powder as Influenced by Different Conditions of Decontamination and Storage

백삼분말의 살균 및 저장조건에 따른 관능적 품질 특성

Organoleptic qualities were evaluated putting emphasis on flavor and color of white ginseng powders which were treated with ethylene oxide(EO) and gamma radiation(5, 10kGy) for microbial decontaminations. Immediately after treatments, there was no significant changes in the overall flavor and color of the samples between the nontreated control and both treatments. The color of even airtight-packaged samples, however, was changed(p<0.05) after 7 months of storage at 30$\pm$2$^{\circ}C$ when treated with EO and 10 kGy. These changes in color were confirmed by the instrumental determinations for the stored samples. Thus, it can be proposed that gamma Irradiation below 10kGy combined with airtight packaging is required for keeping the organoleptic quality of white ginseng powders for more than 6 months of storage.