Quality of superchilled vacuum packed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets stored at −1.4 and −3.6 °C

The most important factor for increasing shelf life is the product temperature, and since fish is more highly perishable than meat, the temperature is even more important. In the present study, portions of fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were superchilled at two temperature levels, −1.4 and −3.6 °C. Texture, drip loss, liquid loss, cathepsin activities and protein extractability were investigated during storage and compared to ice chilled and frozen references. Drip loss was not a major problem in superchilled salmon. Textural hardness was significantly higher in superchilled salmon fillets stored at −3.6 °C compared to those stored at −1.4 °C, ice chilled and frozen references. Cathepsins B and B + L were not deactivated at the selected storage temperatures. The storage time of vacuum packed salmon fillets can be doubled by superchilled storage at −1.4 °C and −3.6 °C compared to ice chilled storage.     

The combined effect of superchilling and modified atmosphere packaging using CO2 emitter on quality during chilled storage of pre‐rigor salmon fillets (Salmo salar)

BACKGROUND: Pre‐rigor fillets of Atlantic salmon were either superchilled or chilled prior to packaging in air or in modified atmosphere (MAP, 60% CO₂/40% N₂) with a CO₂ emitter, in 5.3 L high‐density polyethylene trays with three to four layers of fillets (3.0–3.7 kg). All samples were stored at 0.1 °C for 28 days. RESULTS: Fillets stored in MAP had significantly lower bacterial growth compared to fillets stored in air, and MAP superchilled bottom fillets had lower bacterial counts compared to the corresponding chilled fillets. Samples superchilled prior to refrigerated storage in air had similar bacterial growth to ordinary chilled samples. Faster fillet softening during storage and higher liquid loss were observed in superchilled MAP samples. CONCLUSION: Combining short‐term superchilling and MAP with a CO₂ emitter prolonged the shelf‐life of pre‐rigor salmon fillets, which can improve sustainability throughout the value chain. The superchilling method needs to be optimized to avoid negative effects on texture and liquid loss. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in water holding capacity and drip loss of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) muscle during superchilled storage

Changes in water holding capacity and drip loss of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets during superchilled storage were studied. Due to the significant differences in ice crystal sizes observed in our previous study, the liquid loss (LL) was analysed separately, at the surface and centre of the superchilled samples. No significant differences were found in LL between surface and centre parts of the superchilled samples. No significant difference in the LL was observed from surface samples between 1 and 14 days of storage. There was a significant difference in the LL at day 1 of the centre samples, but no significant differences were observed between 3 and 14 days of storage. In contrast, the LL was significantly decreased at day 21 both at the centre and the surface of the superchilled samples. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in drip loss between 1 and 14 days of storage for the superchilled samples. A significant increase in drip loss for the superchilled samples was observed at day 21. These findings are significant for the industry because it provides valuable information on the quality of food in relation to ice crystallisation/recrystallisation during superchilled storage.     

Quality changes during superchilled storage of pork roast

Quality parameters (sensory, physical, biochemical and microbiological) of superchilled vacuum packed boneless pork roasts were studied during storage for 16 weeks. Superchilling of vacuum packed pork roast at a temperature of −2.0 °C improved shelf life significantly compared to traditional chilled storage at +3.5 °C. Superchilled pork roasts maintained good sensory quality and low microbiological counts during the whole storage period. The drip loss in superchilled samples was lower and showed less variation than in the references and the temperature abused roasts. The consequences of an interrupted cold chain during storage were also investigated. Superchilled samples with temperature abuse resembled chilled samples with respect to drip loss and microbial levels. To take advantage of all the benefits of superchilling and successfully implement the process in the food industry a stable, controlled temperature during storage is critical.     

Ice fraction assessment by near-infrared spectroscopy enhancing automated superchilling process lines

The objective of the current study was to analyze and develop some important automation steps in a superchilling process line. In order to control the product quality there is a need for online measurements of ice fraction and distribution in inhomogeneous products. Moreover, automatic handling of such superchilled products is currently commercially unavailable. The current study presents a new method for monitoring and handling superchilled product of varying form and consistency. Observation of the shift in the water absorption peak, measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) transflection mode, was used to determine the ice level in superchilled salmon, scanning approximately 1.5 cm into the fillets. The salmon fillets were stored on ice at 0 °C for 5–7 days before superchilling at −24 °C to target ice contents of 10%, 15% and 30%. Online NIR measurements of ice fraction showed promising results, with a low prediction error of 2.5%. The storage study confirmed former quality results with a microbiological shelf life of 15–17 days with only minor differences in values for drip loss and water-holding capacity between superchilled and chilled samples.     

Evaluation of Shelf Life of Superchilled Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets and the Influence of Temperature Fluctuations During Storage on Microbial and Chemical Quality Indicators

Quality changes of aerobically packed cod fillets stored under superchilling and abusive temperature conditions were characterized by the growth of specific spoilage organisms (SSO) and the production of microbial metabolites measured by an electronic nose along with traditional sensory and chemical analysis (total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], pH). A new process based on quick contact freezing and cold air blasting was used to achieve superchilling of fillets before chilled (0.5 °C) or superchilled (‐1.5 °C) storage. Photobacterium phosphoreum dominated under temperature abusive conditions coinciding with high levels of TVB‐N and increased electronic nose responses indicating increased levels of alcohols and aldehydes at sensory rejection. Dominating growth of Pseudomonas spp. in 1 batch was associated with the origin, the catching method, and the cooling conditions during processing. The superchilling process followed by superchilled storage (‐1.5 °C) extended the sensory shelf life of the fillets for at least 3 d compared with traditional process, resulting in a total shelf life of 15 d. High content of TVB‐N was observed in superchilled fillets at sensory rejection. P. phosphoreum counts were lower under superchilling conditions (6.0 to 6.8 log colony‐forming units [CFU]/g), compared with the traditionally processed chilled fillets (7.2 log CFU/g). However, H₂S‐producing bacteria appeared to grow steadily under superchilling conditions reaching counts as high as 7.6 log CFU/g at sensory rejection.     

Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Superchilled Storage on the Microbial and Sensory Quality of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Fillets

ABSTRACT: Fresh Atlantic salmon fillets packaged under modified atmosphere (MA) (CO²:N² 60:40) and air was stored at superchilled (-2 °C) and chilled (+4 °C) temperatures. Changes in sensory scores, microbial growth, headspace gas composition, water loss, and pH were monitored during 24 d of storage. The superchilled MA packaged salmon maintained a good quality, with negligible microbial growth (<1000 colony-forming units [CFU]/g) for more than 24 d based on both sensory and microbial analyses (aerobic plate count, H2S-producing, and psychrotrophic bacteria). Superchilled salmon in air had a 21-d sensory shelf life, whereas MA and air-stored fillets at chilled conditions was spoiled after 10 d and 7 d, respectively.     

微冻贮藏对牛肉保水性的影响

本实验以冷藏（2 ℃）和冷冻（－18 ℃）作为对照组,从肌原纤维蛋白结构和水分迁移等方面分析了微冻（－4 ℃）贮藏条件下牛肉保水性变化的机制。结果表明：微冻贮藏牛肉的汁液损失率和蒸煮损失率显著高于冷藏和冷冻处理组（P＜0.05）,保水性最差。微冻贮藏过程中,牛肉中的水分弛豫时间逐渐变长,结合水相对含量无明显变化,不易流动水相对含量显著下降,自由水相对含量显著上升（P＜0.05）。随着贮藏时间的延长,3 种贮藏方式下牛肉的总巯基含量和活性巯基含量均显著下降,蛋白质表面疏水性显著上升（P＜0.05）,且贮藏温度越低,变化速率越慢。微冻贮藏过程中,牛肉肌原纤维蛋白降解程度较低,贮藏后期蛋白质变性程度较高,提升了肌原纤维蛋白网络中不易流动水的自由度,使得部分不易流动水转化为自由水,导致了微冻牛肉较差的保水性。     

Superchilled,chilled and frozen storage of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets – changes in texture,drip loss,protein solubility and oxidation

Changes in quality characteristics in relation to protease activity and protein oxidation in chilled, superchilled and frozen mackerel fillets during storage were studied. The solubility of sarcoplasmic proteins was quite stable in mackerel samples for all storage experiments, whereas the solubility of myofibrillar proteins decreased in both superchilled and frozen samples. A significant correlation (r = 0.983, P < 0.05) between the increased activity of cathepsin B+L in chilled fillets and softening of the fish flesh during storage was revealed. Contrary with chilled samples, the texture of superchilled mackerel fillets became tougher along the storage period, which can be explained by a higher rate of myofibrillar oxidation (r = 0.940, P < 0.05). The hardness and drip loss decreased slightly at the end of frozen storage. Superchilling preserved the quality of mackerel fillets with the least side effects in relation to protein solubility, drip loss and softening of the fish tissue as compared to chilled and frozen storage.     

Acid-induced gelation of natural actomyosin from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and burbot (Lota lota)

The acid-induced gelation of natural actomyosin (NAM) from burbot (Lota lota) and Atlantic cod (Gardus morhua) added with d-gluconic acid-δ-lactone (GDL) during incubation at room temperature (22–23 °C) for 48 h was investigated. During acidification, pH values of both NAMs reached 4.6 within 48 h. Both NAMs underwent aggregation during acidification as evidenced by increases in turbidity and particle size, especially after 6 h of incubation. The decreases in Ca²⁺-ATPase activity and salt solubility of both NAMs were observed during incubation. Decreases in total sulphydryl content with the concomitant increases in disulphide bond content of NAM from both species were also noticeable. Additionally, surface hydrophobicity of NAM increased, suggesting the conformational changes in NAM induced by acidification. The storage modulus (G′) values increased with increasing incubation time and G′ development was greater in Atlantic cod NAM, compared with burbot NAM. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that T_max and enthalpy of myosin peak shifted to the lower values and endothermic peak of actin completely disappeared. In general, gel development was more pronounced in Atlantic cod NAM, compared with the burbot counterpart. As visualised by transmission electron microscopy, network strands of aggregates from Atlantic cod were finer and more uniform than those of the burbot counterpart. Acid-induced gelation of NAM from both fish species therefore involved both denaturation and aggregation processes. However, gelation varied with fish species and had an impact on the resulting gels.     

Influence of different cold storage temperatures during the Rigor mortis phase on fillet contraction and longer-term quality changes of Atlantic cod fillets

Pre rigor produced fillets of Atlantic cod become shorter and more firm than post rigor produced fillets. In pre rigor excised muscle from warm-blooded animals and warm-water adapted fish, cold shortening, extensive contraction during cold storage, is known to occur. The aim of the present work was to study if the extent of fillet shortening in Atlantic cod could be reduced by a slight temperature increase during rigor contraction. The results demonstrate that fillets from this cold-water species showed no cold shortening. On the contrary, the fillets contracted the least when stored at 0 °C during rigor contraction.     

A study of the ice crystal sizes of red muscle of pre-rigor Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets during superchilled storage

Pre-rigor salmon fillets were superchilled in an impingement freezer and stored at −1.7 ± 0.3 °C for 29 days. The objective of this work was to study the ice crystal sizes in red muscle of pre-rigor salmon fillets that were partially frozen at fast (−30 °C, 227 W/m² K, 2.1 min) which is referred to as process F and slow (−20 °C, 153 W/m² K, 4.2 min) which is referred to as process S during superchilled storage. It was observed that the size of intracellular ice crystals in pre-rigor muscles at faster superchilling rate was significantly (p < 0.05) smaller than that at slower superchilling rate. The size of ice crystals formed in pre-rigor muscle was significant (p < 0.05) smaller than that formed in post-rigor muscle. It was also observed that the size of intracellular ice crystals formed in pre-rigor red muscles was significant smaller than that in white muscle. In addition, a large number of small ice crystals are formed within the muscle during partial freezing of pre-rigor muscle compared to post-rigor muscle. Future research should focus on tests of the quality parameters separately in red and white muscles (pre- and post-rigor) during superchilled storage of food products in order to understand more about their characteristics (quality and shelf life).     

Extending shelf life of desalted cod by high pressure processing

Salted fish need to be rehydrated before eaten, but rehydrated fish have a relatively short shelf life. To increase the shelf life the products can e.g. be frozen, packed in modified atmosphere or processed by high pressure (HPP). Here, rehydrated cod was packed with different packaging regimes; in vacuum, with CO₂ emitter or in modified atmosphere [MAP], either alone or in combination with HPP. A shelf life study was performed, and headspace gas composition, drip loss, pH, colour, texture and microbial counts were assessed in the packaged and processed portions. The results showed that a shelf life of minimum 49 days can be obtained by treating the rehydrated cod by HPP or by combining HPP with modified atmosphere or in combination with a CO₂ emitter. The results of this study have shown that different packaging and processing methods can increase the shelf life of desalted cod.Industrial relevanceThe growing trend and availability of “ready to cook” products are forcing the food industry to increase production of convenience products. Today desalted saltfish or clipfish need to be consumed immediately, stored chilled for a few days, stored frozen or being packed and/or processed to extend its shelf life. The use of high pressure processing represents a promising strategy to enhance the shelf-life of fish products. This study shows that HPP alone or combined with CO₂ can extend the shelf life of rehydrated cod. Hence, these results can open up for new products.     

Superchilled,chilled and frozen storage of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) – effect on lipids and low molecular weight metabolites

Quality changes in Atlantic mackerel fillets during superchilled, chilled and frozen storage focusing on lipid quality, colour and changes in low molecular weight metabolites relevant for quality and safety were studied. Low formation of oxidation products was observed in chilled (up to 7 days), superchilled (up to 14 days) and frozen storage (up to one year). Only slight formation of TBARS was measured in the samples which correlated with the increasing fillet yellowness. The profile of low molecular weight compounds, analysed by high-resolution NMR, showed clear grouping of the different samples according to both treatment and storage time. The increase in K-value was highest in the chilled samples, reaching a K-value of 93 ± 3% on day 5, exceeding the proposed limit of human consumption (80%) while superchilling reached a K-value of ca 90 % after 14 days. Frozen samples showed acceptable quality in the whole storage period.     

How fresh is fresh? Perceptions and experience when buying and consuming fresh cod fillets

From January 1st 2010 it was mandatory for all retail stores selling fresh fish in Norway to provide their customers with capture date information for wild fish and slaughter date for farmed fish. The objectives of this study were to: (a) evaluate how many days after capture are consumers willing to buy fresh fish stored on ice, (b) once they have bought the fish how many days are they willing to keep it at home before eating it, and (c) estimate the shelf life of fresh cod using consumer acceptance/rejection data, with and without capture-date information. To cover (a) and (b) a survey was conducted in Norway among 419 respondents visiting retail stores asking them to evaluate how many days after capture they were willing to buy fresh Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stored on ice. The respondents were also asked how many days after purchase they were willing to keep the fresh cod at home before cooking and eating it. To cover objective (c), fillets of wild Atlantic cod were evaluated by a total of 389 consumers from three Norwegian cities in three different stages: raw and cooked without information on capture data, raw with capture date information. Survival analysis statistics were used to analyze the data with the inclusion of respondents’ age, self-reported degree of fresh fish expertise and frequency of fresh fish consumption. When respondents were asked for the last day they would buy fresh cod after capture, there was a 75% probability that this would be approximately 3 days and 5 days for elder and young respondents, respectively. There was a 75% probability that these respondents would have the fish approximately 1 day at home before cooking and eating it. The shelf life (as measured in an acceptability test) corresponding to a 25% rejection probability was approximately 7 days and 11 days, with and without capture-date information, respectively. Thus, in general, when respondents were asked which was the last day they would be willing to buy cod after capture, this time (3–5 days) was shorter than the shelf life (7–11 days).     

Effect of temperature on the spoilage rate of whole, unprocessed crabs: Carcinus maenas, Necora puber and Cancer pagurus

Shelf life of whole, initially live, crabs depended primarily on the storage conditions and the time at which death occurred. Large differences in the time that individual crab species survived particular storage conditions resulted in wide variations in shelf-life. Bacterial spoilage of Carcinus maenas, Necora puber and Cancer pagurus, measured using aerobic plate counts, indicated that on ice at 4 degrees C whole unprocessed crabs had a shelf life approximately 9-11 days, at 4 degrees C approximately 13-29 days, in simulated supermarket conditions of sale approximately 5-7 days and at 20 degrees C approximately 2-16 days. Storage of whole unprocessed crabs chilled at 4 degrees C considerably extended shelf life compared to crabs stored on ice. Live crabs stored on ice died within 24h, most likely due to thermal shock and their early death was responsible for their more rapid increase in bacterial numbers compared to crabs stored at 4 degrees C. No growth of bacteria occurred in the flesh of live crabs stored at 4 degrees C for between 128 and 504 h. Crab flesh quality deteriorated prior to maximum shelf-life (defined as the time at which bacterial load reached log 5 cfu/g crabmeat) in some instances. The best compromise between high crabmeat yield and long shelf-life is likely to be to transport crabs at 4 degrees C live to market where they could be stored live at 4 degrees C without spoilage for 2 weeks before placed on ice at 4 degrees C, with a potential maximum shelf life of approximately 24 days.     

Comparative study on acid-induced gelation of myosin from Atlantic cod (Gardus morhua) and burbot (Lota lota)

Physicochemical and rheological properties of myosin from Atlantic cod and burbot during acid-induced gelation at room temperature (22–23 °C) by d-gluconic acid-δ-lactone (GDL) were monitored. Turbidity and particle size of both myosins increased and salt soluble content decreased when pH decreased, suggesting the formation of protein aggregates caused by acidification. The formation of disulphide bonds in myosin gelation was induced by acid. Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of myosin decreased (p < 0.05), while surface hydrophobicity increased during acidification (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the decreases in maximum transition temperature (T_max) and the denaturation enthalpies (ΔH) were found in both myosins. During acidification, the increases in storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of myosin were observed (p < 0.05), revealing the formation of elastic gel matrix. Thus, gelation of myosin from Atlantic cod and burbot could take place under acidic pH via denaturation and aggregation. However, myosin from Atlantic cod was generally more favourable to gelation than was burbot myosin.     

Superchilling of rested Atlantic salmon: Different chilling strategies and effects on fish and fillet quality

Rested Atlantic salmon was superchilled in seawater slurry (−1.93 ± 0.27 °C). The chilling efficiencies of slurry and crushed ice were compared. The feasibility of using slurry to produce subzero core temperatures before packing was also evaluated. Simulated transport to market, with or without ice after initial superchilling (1 day), was also studied. Fish quality (Quality Index, fillet colour, pH, water content, water-holding capacity, hardness and bacterial loads) was evaluated at arrival to ‘market’ and after keeping the fish ‘in the market’ for 1 week. The results were compared with continuous ice (control) or slurry storage. In terms of quality, pre-chilling in slurry and continuous storage in slurry were evidently not advantageous over traditional ice storage, as evaluated after 4 days. After 11 days, both advantages and disadvantages of continuous superchilling were observed. Notably, subsequent ice storage of superchilled fish resulted in increased bacterial load and inferior fillet hardness.