Effects of gamma and electron beam irradiations on the triacylglycerol profile of fresh and stored Castanea sativa Miller samples

Abstract The present chestnut ( Castanea sativa Miller) commercialization process, including distribution to novel markets, demands suitable preservation technologies. Irradiation has been considered a promising alternative to chemical fumigation (legally forbidden and harmful for human health and environment) or heat treatments (technological difficulties and low efficiency). Following previous studies on the effects of irradiation in different chemical parameters, the present work aimed to evaluate the effects of electron beam and γ-irradiation on the triacylglycerol profiles of fresh and stored chestnuts. An analysis of variance with type III sums of squares was performed using the general linear model procedure. As a classification technique, a linear discriminant analysis using the stepwise procedure was also applied. Independently of irradiation type, samples irradiated with higher doses showed higher modifications in triacylglycerol profiles. Samples irradiated with 1 and 3 kGy were clearly separated from the remaining groups in the linear discriminant analysis. The results highlight the potential of triacylglycerol profiles as indicators of chestnut irradiation. Irradiation might be recommended as a suitable method for chestnut preservation.