Fatty Acid Profile and Bioactive Properties of Oil From γ‐Irradiated Peanut Seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ɣ‐irradiation on the phytochemical properties and quality parameters of peanut oil, with a focus on identifying changes in key compounds such as fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and total phenolic content (TPC). In this research, peanuts harvested from Edirne/Meric region were exposed to Cobalt‐60 gamma irradiation at different doses (1.5, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 kGy). The impacts of irradiation on some quality parameters, such as fatty acids, and the phytochemical properties, such as phytosterols, tocopherol, and TPC in the peanut oil, were determined. Gamma irradiation significantly altered oil quality parameters; for instance, tocopherol content decreased from 125.4 to 103.6 mg/kg and phenolic content declined from 8.98 to 0.63 mg GAE/kg at 5.0 kGy. Although TPC decreased proportionally with higher irradiation doses, palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) increased significantly ( p < 0.05). Likewise, gamma irradiation significantly affected the total sterol amount and other sterol contents detected, but it did not cause significant changes in the β‐sitosterol content. Gamma ray irradiation caused a reduction in the oil content of peanuts. These findings provide insights into the potential applications and limitations of gamma irradiation in enhancing the quality and safety of peanut oil. Practical Applications : Peanut is an important oilseed for human health due to the oil, protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins/minerals it contains. On the other hand, peanuts are considered the riskiest food in terms of aflatoxin contamination, which causes serious health problems all over the world. In order to ensure food safety, it was aimed to irradiate peanut with gamma ray within the scope of prevention and control strategies of mycotoxigenic mold formation. This study investigated the effects of five different irradiation doses on phytochemical properties and some quality parameters in the peanut oil.