Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa) samples purchased from one of the most populous markets (Bodija market) in the south-western part of Nigeria were irradiated with a 300Gy dose of Yphotons using YBEAMX200, while some of these onions were also kept as control (non-irradiated). Proximate analyses were carried out on both irradiated and non-irradiated onion. The proximate composition revealed 0.16, 11.63 and 7.90% reduction in moisture, crude protein and ash, respectively in the irradiated sample. Additionally, the irradiation led to the increase of crude fiber, carbohydrates and crude fat contents by 3.36, 11.51 and 57.14%, respectively in the irradiated sample over the non-irradiated. Conclusively, the irradiation of onion with 300Gy does not significantly change the moisture content, but positively changed the fiber content and carbohydrate contents of the irradiated onions.

Key words: Onion (Allium cepa), carbohydrate, Gamma photons, proximate composition, irradiation.