Effects of Various Physicochemical Treatments on Volatiles and Sensory Characteristics of Irradiated Beef Bulgogi

Abstract

Off-flavor and lipid oxidation are possible defects of irradiated bulgogi. This study compared the effects of several physico-chemical treatments on microbial safety, volatiles, lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of irradiated beef bulgogi. Samples were separately irradiated with 20 kGy after each treatment such as packaging (aerobic and vacuum), antioxidants (vitamin C + alpha-tocopherol (0.0 and 1.0%, w/w)), charcoal teabags (0 and 0.5%), or different temperatures (room temperature, -20, and -70 degrees C). No bacterial growth was observed (p < 0.05) after irradiation of more than 20 kGy during storage at 35 degrees C. Volatiles created by irradiating bulgogi were toluene, heptane, and 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)benzene. Irradiation off-flavor, lipid oxidation, and deterioration of sensory quality induced by irradiation were effectively reduced (p < 0.05) by all physico-chemical treatments tested.