Compositional characteristics of cherry kernel oil as influenced by gamma irradiation and storage periods

This research work was undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of oil from the cherry kernel non-irradiated and irradiated at 3 and 6 kGy of gamma irradiation for two storage periods (0 and 12 months). The acid value, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value, iodine value, saponification value refractive index (peroxide value), and the color parameters of cherry kernel oils were determined. The results indicated that the extracted cherry kernel oils were liquid at room temperature with color varying from light yellow to deep red. The physicochemical properties of cherry kernel oils including acid value, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, iodine value, saponification value, and refractive index values were 1.19 mg KOH g^-1, 9.01 meq₂ kg^-1, 0.014 mg MDA kg^-1, 99.48 KOH g^-1 I₂ 100 g^-1, 194.50 mg KOH g^-1, and 1.472, respectively. Generally, gamma irradiation doses and storage time increased acid value, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and refractive index value of cherry kernel oils, whereas no significant (p > 0.05) change due to irradiation was recorded in iodine value, saponification value, and in color parameter (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE values) of cherry kernel oils. However, the properties of cherry kernel oils revealed that the cherry kernel is a good source of oil which could be used for industrial purposes.