In the present study dry red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), irradiated in the dose range of 0.25–
10.0 kGy were evaluated for proximate composition, functional, sensory and antioxidant properties.
Radiation processing up to 10 kGy did not affect proximate composition, hydration capacity and free fatty
acid value. All the sensory attributes were unaffected at 1.0 kGy dose. The dose of 10 kGy, showed lower
values for odor and taste, however, they were in acceptable range. Significant improvement in textural
quality and reduction in cooking time was observed at dose of 10 kGy. Antioxidant activity of radiation
processed samples was also assessed after normal processing such as soaking and pressure cooking. Both
phenolic content and antioxidant activity evaluated in terms of DPPH free radical scavenging assay and
inhibition in lipid peroxidation using rabbit erythrocyte ghost system, were marginally improved (5–
10%) at the dose of 10 kGy in dry and cooked samples. During storage of samples for six months, no
significant change was observed in sensory, cooking and antioxidant properties. Thus, radiation treatment
of 1 kGy can be applied to get extended shelf life of kidney beans with improved functional
properties without impairing bioactivity; nutritional quality and sensory property