The effect of gamma radiation and of low temperatures was studied on yeast growth in orange juice. Concentrated orange juice (65° Brix) was diluted to 10,5° Brix and inoculated with comercial biological yeasts. The samples were irradiated with doses of 0.0 (control), 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kGy (Cobalt-60), with a 2.83 kGy/h dose rate. All the samples were stored at 0°, 5° and 25°C for periods of 1; 7; 14; 21; 30; 60 and 90 days of storage. Combined treatment of 1 kGy and refrigeration at 0°C was effective for orange juice conservation for 90 days of storage. The dose of 2.5 kGy, was sufficient to conserve the juice for 90 days of storage at 5°C. At 25°C only the two highest radiation doses (5.0 and 7.5 kGy) were effective to control yeast growth in orange juice.
irradiation; orange juice; Saccharomyces cerevisiae
