Aggregation of minced hake during frozen storage

 Aggregation in minced hake muscle (Merluccius merluccius) during storage at –20  °C was studied in conditions where there is progressive deterioration of functionality and texture as measured by apparent viscosity and shear resistance. Natural actomyosin was extracted with 0.6 M NaCl over a period of 49 weeks. Insoluble residue was extracted successively with 2% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and 2% SDS plus 5% β-mercaptoethanol (ME) solutions. SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed on the extracted fractions. The results showed a 75% decrease in 0.6 M NaCl extractability by the end of the storage period. Initially the remaining precipitate was all extracted in 2% SDS and although the amount extracted in this solution increased as storage time progressed, its proportion decreased, accounting for as little as 40–50% of the protein aggregate by the end of storage. The proteins most involved in formation of the aggregate not extracted in 0.6 M NaCl were myosin and actin. Neither of these proteins was fully recovered in the fractions extracted with 0.6 M NaCl, 2% SDS, or 2% SDS plus 5% ME, and therefore it was inferred that they were forming part of the aggregates, bound by covalent bonds. Received: 17 November 1998     

Cryoprotective effects of trehalose and sodium lactate on tilapia (Sarotherodon nilotica) surimi during frozen storage

The cryoprotective effects of trehalose and sodium lactate at level of 8% (w/w) in tilapia surimi were studied in comparison with a conventional cryoprotectant (sucrose/sorbitol, 1:1) during extended storage at −18 °C for up to 24 weeks. All present cryoprotectants retarded the protein changes as evidenced by the lowered decrease in salt extractable protein (SEP), Ca²⁺-ATPase activity, total sulfhydryl content as well as the impeded increase in disulfide bond content and surface hydrophobicity. The gel-forming ability of frozen surimi was more retained with addition of cryoprotectants. Among all cryoprotectants used, trehalose exhibited the greatest protective effect on protein denaturation as shown by the effectiveness in maintaining Ca²⁺-ATPase activity and protein solubility. Additionally, the greatest breaking force and deformation were obtained in surimi added with 8% trehalose throughout the frozen storage up to 24 weeks. Sodium lactate showed a similar cryoprotective effect to sucrose/sorbitol blend. Therefore, trehalose and sodium lactate appeared to be promising alternative cryoprotectants for surimi owing to their low sweetness and caloric value.     

Functional stability of frozen normal and high pH beef

The functional properties of whole, diced or minced high and normal pH beef were determined after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 month’s storage. There was no interaction between pH, degree of comminution and storage time for most of the attributes measured. Regardless of storage time or comminution method, high pH meat had significantly (P < 0.001) higher sarcoplasmic protein solubility, water holding capacity, cooked batter torsion stress and strain, yield and emulsion stability than normal pH meat. Normal pH meat had significantly (P < 0.01) higher myofibrillar protein solubility and hue angle than high pH meat. Water holding capacity significantly (P < 0.01) decreased and hue angle increased with the increase in the degree of comminution. Protein solubility in raw meat and the cooked batter stress, strain, yield and emulsion stability of both high and normal pH meat deteriorated with time. However, this deterioration was faster in the normal pH meat compared to high pH meat except for total and myofibrillar protein solubility. Within the parameters of the present study, it is concluded that frozen high pH meat possesses superior functional attributes compared to normal pH meat regardless of the degree of comminution or storage time.     

Influence of yeast and frozen storage on rheological, structural and microbial quality of frozen sweet dough

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of yeast content and frozen storage (9 weeks at −40 °C) on the structural and rheological parameters, and fermentative activity of frozen sweet dough. Two types of dough were studied (to estimate dough shelf life): simple yeasted dough (SY) and double yeasted dough (DY). Fermentative activity (yeast viability, gassing power, and dough volume), rheological and textural parameters were assessed for frozen sweet doughs.These effects were explored by different and complementary methods: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic rheology, texture profile analysis (TPA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).The data showed that the longer the frozen storage time at −40 °C, the higher the decreased of frozen sweet dough quality. The rheological attributes such as hardness, ΔS, springiness, tan δ and yeast activity declined significantly during frozen storage. This modification led to lower specific volume of frozen sweet dough during proofing.The observed changes of the frozen sweet doughs rheological properties after thawing may be attributed to the damage on the gluten cross-linking, mainly produced by the ice crystallization during frozen storage. The storage effect was particularly concentrated in the first 27 days of storage.     

Effects of freezing temperature and duration of frozen storage on lipid and protein oxidation in chicken meat

This study examined the effects of freezing temperature and duration of frozen storage on lipid and protein oxidation in chicken leg and breast meat. The meat was frozen at three different temperatures (−7, −12 and −18 °C) and then stored at −18 °C for up to 6 months. A significant effect of frozen storage duration on lipid oxidation was detected in leg and breast meat, whereas freezing temperature had no significant effect. In leg meat, freezing at −7 °C had a significant impact on protein oxidation, measured as the increase in carbonyl groups and the decrease in total sulphydryl groups, after 3 months of frozen storage. Lipid and protein oxidation appeared to occur simultaneously in chicken meat during frozen storage and was more intense in leg meat than in breast meat.     

Biochemical and physicochemical properties of actomyosin from pre- and post-spawned flounder (Paralichtys patagonicus) stored on ice

The biochemical and physicochemical properties of actomyosin from pre- and post-spawned flounder stored on ice were studied. Irrespective of the gonadal condition of the fish, a gradual decrease in reduced viscosity, Mg²⁺ATPase and Mg²⁺Ca²⁺ATPase activities of actomyosin was observed. A similar decrease in the Mg²⁺ EGTA ATPase activity of actomyosin from post-spawned flounder was also observed. The decrease in enzymatic activities was accompanied by an increase in surface hydrophobicity of the protein. No signs of proteolysis of the major components of the actomyosin complex were detected. The relative percentage of myosin decreased and that of actin increased in actomyosin from pre- and post-spawned flounder stored on ice. These changes occur earlier in actomyosin from prespawned flounder. The results of this paper indicate that actomyosin from flounder denatured during fish storage on ice and suggest that this denaturation is due to structural and conformational changes in myosin which led to aggregation of this protein.     

冻藏对不同处理形态青梅果品质的影响

为了解决青梅常温不易保存的问题,开展了冻藏对青梅果品质影响的研究。在-18℃下,将青梅整果、果浆、果汁分别冻藏30 d,每5 d取样分析比较青梅果不同加工形态的可溶性固形物、糖类、总酸、氨态氮、黄酮、V_C含量的变化规律,评价冻藏对青梅果品营养物质的影响。研究结果表明,冷藏过程中,青梅整果、果浆和果汁的可溶性固形物、总糖、还原糖、总酸、氨态氮含量呈下降趋势,而且下降比较显著;黄酮和V_C含量有所降低,但其含量下降较少,其含量与青梅鲜果接近。在青梅整果、果浆、果汁三种保存形态中,营养物质保持状况,整果优于果浆、果汁。      

Physico-chemical and functional properties of myofibrillar proteins from different species of molluscs

The physico-chemical and functional properties of myofibrillar proteins from scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), bivalve molluscs (Aulacomya ater ater), and squid (Illex argentinus) were investigated. Actomyosins were studied by SDS-PAGE, Mg²⁺-(Ca²⁺-dependent) ATPase activity, reduced viscosity, and surface hydrophobicity determinations. The emulsion capacity (EC) of both soluble protein extracts and actomyosins was also determined. Densitometric analysis of the SDS-PAGE 10% gels showed that in comparison with the actomyosin from striated muscle of scallop, the actomyosins of Aulacomya, squid, and smooth plus striated muscle of scallop have a significant higher relative percentage of paramyosin and a lower relative percentage of myosin. The reduced viscosity of actomyosin from both striated and smooth plus striated adductor muscle of scallop was significantly lower than that of squid and Aulacomya. No significant differences were observed in the enzymatic activity of the actomyosins analysed. Surface hydrophobicity and EC of actomyosin from striated muscle of Aulacomya were lower than those corresponding to actomyosin of the other species. The highest values of EC were observed in extracts of squid mantle. In addition, the EC of the extracts was significantly higher than the EC of their respective actomyosins.     

Quality and storage life of par-baked frozen breads

During storage of frozen par-baked breads for a prolonged period of time, bread quality may undergo changes such as increased firmness, moisture and flavour losses resulting in product deterioration. Four categories of par-baked breads namely—variety, white, multi-grain and rye were stored at −18°C for 9 months to evaluate the effects of storage period on product quality, and to develop prediction models that describe kinetics of deterioration of selected quality parameters. The quality was evaluated based on sensory, chemical and physical attributes and properties. Storage life was determined based on the changes in bread quality below certain level. The principal component analysis indicated that approximately 90% of the total variability of 19 quality parameters can be explained with only two principal components. The zero-order kinetic reaction showed good agreement (R²>80%) with quality changes observed by the sensory panel over the storage period. A prediction model, based on the bread quality at zero time and the quality at the time when the bread was rejected by the sensory panel, was developed. The proposed prediction model would provide a useful means of estimating storage life of par-baked breads made with similar formulations.     

Influence of frozen storage and packaging on oxidative stability and texture of bread produced by different processes

The influence of packaging barrier properties and frozen storage on phenolic and phytosterol content, oxidative stability and crumb texture of frozen dough, part-baked and fully baked frozen bread was investigated in comparison to conventionally produced bread. Samples were stored either in blue coloured high density polyethylene (PE-HD) or transparent polyester-polyethylene-ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (PET-PE/EVAL/PE) pouches for 22 days at −18 °C. Packaging materials were different in oxygen permeability: 3.67 cm³m⁻²day⁻¹ bar⁻¹ for PET-PE/EVAL/PE and 2080 cm³m⁻²day⁻¹ bar⁻¹ for PE-HD material, which did not significantly change during storage. Total phenolic content and oxidative stability of bread samples decreased during storage depending on the process. Frozen dough bread had the lowest phenolics decrease and the highest oxidative stability. Total phenolic content and oxidative stability of frozen breads during 8 days were similar to conventional bread. The phenolics reduction was higher for samples stored in PET-PE/EVAL/PE laminate than in PE-HD packaging. Total sterol content did not significantly change during bread storage in investigated packaging and did not contribute to the oxidation. Bread firmness was affected only by the process and not by the storage time and packaging material.     

Effect of frozen storage conditions (temperature and length of storage) on microbiological and sensory quality of rustic crossbred beef at different states of ageing

The effect of frozen storage conditions on meat from 36 Morucha × Charolais crossbred yearlings was studied. Slices of M. Longissimus thoracis were randomly assigned to groups arising from the combination of experimental factors. These factors were: ageing extent (3 and 10 days), length of frozen storage (0, 30, 75 and 90 days) and temperature (−20 and −80 °C). Regarding microbiological counts, although values were acceptable in all cases, longer storage time and longer previous ageing extent provided higher phychrotrophic bacteria counts. As frozen storage period increased, colorimetric parameters L^∗, a^∗ and C^∗ decreased, but H^∗ increased. Regarding Warner–Braztler shear force and tenderness values, an interaction (p < 0.05) between frozen storage and post-mortem ageing resulted from larger differences between frozen storage periods at shorter ageing periods than those at longer ageing periods. Frozen storage for 90 days resulted in a reduction in water holding capacity, without differences in juiciness. No effect of freezing temperature was observed in any of the parameters studied.     

Influence of frozen storage on aptitude of sardine and dolphinfish for cold-smoking process

Stability of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and sardines (Sardina pilchardus) of different fat content (lean and fatty sardines) during frozen storage and its suitability for cold-smoking throughout storage were evaluated in order to overcome seasonal and excess catches of these species. Dolphinfish showed a relative stability regarding protein functionality (protein solubility, apparent viscosity, water and lipid holding capacity), lipid oxidation and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) accumulation, which led to high acceptability ratings of the resulting smoked product throughout frozen storage (340 days). However, both lean and fatty sardines showed a marked loss of protein functionality, which coincided with the accumulation of oxidation products and TVBN. Freezing of raw muscle may become a valuable preservation method for the smoking industry to overcome the short caught period of dolphinfish in the Balearic Islands and to make use of excess catches of both, lean and fatty sardine. High quality smoked products may be obtained from the frozen muscle during approximately twelve, four and two months of frozen storage for Dolphinfish, lean and fatty sardine, respectively.     

Effect of freezing and frozen storage on microstructure of Mozzarella and pizza cheeses

Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the effect of aging before (2, 7, and 14 days at 7 °C) or tempering after (1, 7, and 14 days at 7 °C) freezing, and frozen storage (1 and 4 weeks at −20 °C) on protein matrix of pasta filata Mozzarella and non-pasta filata pizza cheeses using unfrozen samples as controls. Pores and ruptures of reticular structure were observed in frozen-stored pasta filata Mozzarella cheese protein matrix, but cracks and clumps of bacteria were found in frozen-stored non-pasta filata pizza cheese. No obvious differences were discernable between the microstructures of pasta filata Mozzarella cheeses frozen stored 1 and 4 weeks. Formation of the reticular structure in frozen-stored pasta filata Mozzarella cheese progressed during tempering. Microstructure of non-pasta filata pizza cheese frozen stored for 4 weeks contained more extensive cracking and more areas of clumps of bacteria than that was frozen stored for 1 week. Aging of cheese before frozen storage was considered responsible for microstructural cracking; fewer cracks were found in the frozen-stored cheese tempered 1 and 2 weeks, but the clumps of bacteria were still observed.     

Characteristics of restructured beef steak with different proportions of walnut during frozen storage

Physicochemical (thawing loss, cooking loss, surface shrinkage, texture, colour and lipid oxidation) and sensory properties of restructured beef steak with different levels of added walnut (0%, 10% and 20%) were determined at various times during frozen storage up to 128 days. Cooking loss (CL), Kramer shear force (KSF) and binding strength (BS) of restructured beef decreased (P<0.05) as the proportion of walnut increased. Walnut enhanced (P<0.05) lightness and yellowness and reduced (P<0.05) redness. Frozen storage did not affect (P>0.05) CL, KSF and BS of restructured beef steak. Redness decreased (P<0.05) over storage for all samples. Lipid oxidation of restructured beef steak containing walnut was not a limiting factor for frozen stability of meat products. Frozen storage had no effect (P>0.05) on the sensory quality of restructured beef steak.     

Differential lipid damage in various muscle zones of frozen hake (Merluccius merluccius)

 A comparison of the lipid damage produced in different hake zones was carried out during frozen storage at –11 and –18  °C. Three light muscle zones and the dark muscle were considered. Lipid oxidation [conjugated dienes; thiobarbituric acid index (TBA-i); fluorescence formation] and hydrolysis (free fatty acids, FFA) were determined. The most predominant lipid damage in all zones was hydrolysis, at the end of storage reaching values of about 40% (for the light muscle zones) and 12% (for the dark muscle) of the total lipids at –11  °C. Significant (P<0.05) correlation value (r=0.67–0.85) relationships between the frozen storage time and the FFA content were obtained for the four muscle zones at both temperatures. A comparison of the regression lines slopes in the different zones showed that a lower (P<0.05) lipolitic activity was produced in the dark muscle compared to the three light zones at both temperatures. A low lipid oxidation development was produced in the three light muscle parts, so that no significant differences between them could be assessed. However, the dark muscle showed a higher oxidation development (TBA-i and fluorescence formation) as a result of a higher lipid content and the presence of prooxidant constituents. Received: 16 June 1998     

Effects of chitosan coating on quality and shelf life of silver carp during frozen storage

The effects of chitosan coating on quality and shelf life of silver carp during frozen storage were investigated. Fish samples were treated with aqueous solution of 2% chitosan, and then stored at −3 °C for 30 days. The control and the treated fish samples were analyzed periodically for microbiological (total viable count), chemical (pH, TBA, TVB-N, K-value), and sensory characteristics. The results indicated that the effect of chitosan coating on fish samples was to retain their good quality characteristics and extend the shelf life during frozen storage, which was supported by the results of microbiological, chemical, and sensory evaluation analyses.     

Gelation process in two different squid (Dosidicus gigas) surimis throughout frozen storage as affected by several cryoprotectants: Thermal, mechanical and dynamic rheological properties

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to follow the thermal denaturation of two differently processed surimis from giant squid (Dosidicus gigas), A (isoelectric precipitation) and B (acid washing). Both surimis were added with several cryoprotectants (sucrose, sorbitol and trehalose), and kept in frozen storage at −15 °C for 6 months. DSC profiles and transition enthalpies showed that protein quality was better in B than in A surimis whether fresh or frozen. It was also demonstrated that the sucrose-plus-sorbitol mixture and trehalose were the most efficient for preserving B and A type formulations respectively after frozen storage. Mechanical (puncture), small amplitude oscillatory (SAOS) and dynamic-mechanical thermoanalyses were performed on both gels from A and B series surimis throughout frozen storage. Gels from surimi A (GA) were considerably brittler than gels from surimi B (GB) and presented significantly lower strain amplitudes. Several correlations among different experimental data have been developed.     

Hydrolysis and oxidation of European eel oil during frozen storage for 48 weeks

The quality assessment of the wild European eel (Anguilla anguilla) stored at −20 °C was assessed by sensory, chemical (total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric values (TBA) and pH) methods. The sensory analysis of showed that European eels were acceptable by panellists and can be stored for more than 48 weeks at −20 °C. No effects of frozen storage were observed on the proximate composition of eel. The level of TVB-N showed fluctuations (7.09–14.72 mg TVB-N/100 g) during frozen storage period, thus TVB-N could not be used as an indicator of frozen eel quality. FFA, PV and TBA values showed fluctuations during frozen storage period but remained low at the end of storage period, PV reached to the maximum level of 13.20±1.73 meq/kg, which did not exceed the maximum recommended value for human consumption (20 meq/kg). The release of FFA slightly increased (P>0.05) from the initial value of 0.88 to 2.14 (expressed as % of oleic acid) until 32 weeks of frozen storage while TBA increased from the initial value of 0.085 mg MA/kg to maximum level of 0.7696 mg MA/kg after week 40. After that, their values decreased to 1.82 and 0.5577 at week 48, respectively. This study showed that off-flavour and off-odour was not detected and frozen European eels were still acceptable by panellists and can be stored for more than 48 weeks at −20 °C.     

Emulsifying capacity of fish mince from several species during frozen storage

Abstract : As a functional property of protein, emulsifying capacity (EC) is of great technological interest. This article examines EC in fish mince from three species differing in fat content and in the pattern of deterioration during frozen storage—blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou R), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus L) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus L)—caught during two seasons of the year in which physiological behaviour is expected to be different (winter and summer). EC and protein solubility were determined periodically. The results indicate the existence of a direct relationship between the fat content of the species used and its EC. Furthermore, in the species studied EC was independent of protein solubility and the amount of protein in the medium, both of which decline as a result of the formation of aggregates during frozen storage. This is not therefore a suitable method for determining protein quality during frozen storage.     

鲢鱼鱼糜在冻藏过程中理化特性的变化

研究了鲢鱼鱼糜在-10℃与-20℃冻藏过程中盐溶性蛋白含量、Ca2+-ATPase活性及保水性的变化。结果表明,三项指标在冻藏过程中都显著下降,且呈现二段下降规律;三项指标的变化之间呈现一定的相关性;SDS-PAGE电泳显示,鲢鱼鱼糜蛋白在冻藏过程中形成了二硫键。