4. Conclusions
In summary, RSM approach was successfully employed to optimize process parameters for minimally processed French beans with desired microbial and sensory qualities. Analysis of response surfaces indicates a complex interaction among variables such as irradiation dose, citric acid and storage time. Irradiation and citric acid significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial contamination. Citric acid was found to reduce radiation induced softening of French beans. Thus, use of citric acid treatments may be useful for maintaining texture of vegetable during radiation processing. Advantage of using RSM also stems from the fact that different quality criteria when employed for optimization resulted in different suitable solutions. This can be useful for commercial production as processing conditions can be suitably calculated based on quality characteristics required, thus reducing severity of treatments. Validation experiments proved that mathematical models generated were suitable for optimizing process parameters for desired product properties. Analysis of developed product by QDA demonstrates that processed French beans had desired aroma, taste and textural attributes. This study demonstrates usefulness of RSM for optimization of treatments for production of minimally processed vegetables.