Cinnamon and nisin in alginate-calcium coating maintain quality of fresh northern snakehead fish fillets

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and nisin in alginate-calcium coating were used to maintain quality of northern snakehead fish fillets at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C). Northern snakehead fish fillets were left untreated (CK), or were treated with alginate-calcium coating (Y0), alginate-calcium coating incorporating 10 μL mL⁻¹ cinnamon (Y1), alginate-calcium coating incorporating 2000 IU mL⁻¹ nisin and 150 μg mL⁻¹ ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (Y2), or alginate-calcium coating incorporating 10 μL mL⁻¹ cinnamon and 2000 IU mL⁻¹ nisin and 150 μg mL⁻¹ EDTA (Y3). Y1 and Y3 had better effects on inhibiting bacterial growth and maintaining values of pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) of northern snakehead fish than CK, Y0 and Y2. Lightness (L*) values of fish fillets of all treatments were higher than CK. Cinnamon in alginate-calcium coating treatments could efficiently maintain quality of northern snakehead fish fillets during storage, but colors of fish fillets of Y1 and Y3 were evidently changed due to the color of cinnamon.     

Effects of chitosan coating combined with essential oils on quality and antioxidant enzyme activities of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets stored at 4 °C

Effects of chitosan coating combined with essential oils from clove, cinnamon and lemon grass on quality and antioxidant enzyme activities of grass carp fillets stored at 4 ± 0.5 °C were evaluated. The quality parameters (including pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), K value, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, shear force and total viable count (TVC)) and antioxidant enzyme activities were analysed periodically. The results indicated that composite chitosan coatings presented better preservation effects than chitosan coating alone. In addition, chitosan–clove essential oil coating had the best quality enhancement effects among treatments by inhibiting deterioration of physicochemical quality and microbial growth and maintaining antioxidant enzyme activities of fillets during refrigerated storage. The negative correlation was observed between the changes in TBA values and antioxidant enzyme activities in fillets. Based on these findings, chitosan–essential oil coatings effectively mitigated oxidative stress and extended shelf life of refrigerated grass carp fillets.     

Soybean oil‐chitosan emulsion affects internal quality and shelf‐life of eggs stored at 25 and 4 °C

Effects of soybean oil (SO), chitosan solution (CH) and their emulsions (SO:CH = 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60 ratios) as coatings on internal quality of eggs stored at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, for 7 and 20 weeks, were evaluated. Eggs coated with SO and SO:CH emulsions maintained grade AA and/or A quality up to 7 weeks at 25 °C and 20 weeks at 4 °C, while noncoated eggs changed from AA to B grade after 2 weeks at 25 °C. Compared with noncoated eggs, shelf‐life of eggs stored at 25 °C was extended for 5 weeks by all SO:CH emulsions. Weight loss of eggs coated with SO:CH emulsions was <3% after 7 weeks at 25 °C and <5% after 20 weeks at 4 °C. SO:CH emulsion is alternatively an effective coating with possible shorter drying times for reducing weight loss and preserving the internal quality of eggs.     

Effects of low concentration of salt and sucrose on the quality of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets stored at 4 °C

The effect of low concentration of salt and sucrose on the quality of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets was evaluated over a 16-day storage at refrigerated temperature (4 °C). Fish samples were brined with 1.1% salt (T1) and 1.1% salt + 0.9% sucrose (T2). The control and the treated fish samples were analysed periodically for physicochemical (pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), water loss, electrical conductivity (EC), color), microbial (total viable counts) and sensory characteristics. No significant differences were observed between T1 and T2 for sensory score and EC (p > 0.05). Brining treatments predominantly decreased chemical changes, reflected in TVB-N and pH, retarded water loss and discoloration, inhibited bacterial growth and increased the overall sensory quality of fish, compared to untreated fillets. The results indicated that brining treatments improved the quality and safety of bighead carp fillet, which can be exploited by fish processors.     

Extractability and thermal stability of frozen hake (Merluccius merluccius) fillets stored at −10 and −30 °C

The relationship between thermal stability changes and functionality loss was monitored in hake muscle fillets stored for 40 weeks at ?10 and ?30 °C. The evolution of changes in apparent viscosity, dimethylamine formation and extractability of muscle proteins in NaCl, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or SDS plus mercaptoethanol showed drastic differences as a function of temperature. At the higher storage temperature, both myosin heavy chain and collagen were the most severely unextracted in salt and SDS solutions, with actin becoming unextractable at the end of storage. Differential scanning calorimetry showed differences with storage time and temperature in both onset temperature and thermal denaturation enthalpy, mostly affecting the myosin transitions. Some protein denaturation occurred with little or no functionality loss. A considerably high fraction of hake muscle proteins remained in the native‐like condition even at the higher frozen storage temperature. In these conditions both apparent viscosity and myosin and actin extractability in NaCl were very low. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of lightly salt and sucrose on rigor mortis changes in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) stored at 4°C

To evaluate the effect of salt and sucrose on rigor mortis changes in silver carp during 72 h at 4 °C, physical (texture parameters, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, L* value) and chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP‐related compounds, K value, pH value) characteristics were studied. Silver carp were subjected to following treatments: left untreated (CK), treated with 1.8% salt (S) and 1.8% salt incorporating 1.8% sucrose (S+S). Curing treatments predominantly increased IMP content, WHC and texture parameters, retarded cooking loss and discoloration compared with untreated samples. The highest IMP concentration measured in S and S+S all occurred at 4 h, which was prior to that of CK (48 h). K value of S+S did not follow a linear relationship with time. The results indicated that the best eating times of CK, S and S+S were 2, 4 and 4 h at 4 °C, respectively, and curing treatments improved the quality of silver carp during postmortem process.     

Quantitative quality tests for frozen fish: Soluble protein and free fatty acid content as quality criteria for hake (Merluccius capensis) stored at −18°C

Hake fillets and mince were frozen and stored at ?18°C in four different tests. Samples were periodically withdrawn and analysed for total protein, protein soluble in aqueous salt solution, free fatty acid content and texture. Highly significant correlations were found between the texture and both the ratio of protein soluble in aqueous salt solution to total protein and the free fatty acid content. These correlations led to the formulation of quantitative quality criteria based on protein soluble in aqueous salt solution and free fatty acid content for frozen hake stored at ?18°C.     

Gamma radiation effect on quality changes in vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings during refrigerated (4–5 °C) storage

The effect of gamma radiation (0, 1.8, 3.3 and 5.8 kGy) on microbiological, chemical and colour characteristics of vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings was studied. Total viable counts; psychrotrophic bacteria counts, Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens; total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and colour difference were analysed during 29 days of storage at 4–5 °C. Higher doses of gamma radiation significantly reduced Total Viable, phychrotrophic counts and TVBN production (P < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent way, delaying squid spoilage. Colour difference of non‐irradiated samples with respect to first day significantly increased while it was constant in radiated samples during 22 days (P < 0.05). Independently from the dose, radiation avoided colour changes of squid rings. Gamma irradiation was effective in delaying deterioration reactions, improving microbiological, chemical and colour quality of vacuum‐packed squid rings stored at 4–5 °C.     

Combined effect of an O2 absorber and oregano essential oil on shelf-life extension of Greek cod roe paste (tarama salad) stored at 4 °C

In the present study the combined effect of an O₂ absorber and oregano essential oil (0.1% v/w) on shelf life extension of Greek cod roe paste (tarama salad) stored under refrigeration (4 °C) was investigated. The study was based on microbiological [Total viable count (TVC), Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, H₂S-producing, yeast and molds and Clostridium spp.), physicochemical (pH, fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and color) and sensory (color, odor, and taste) changes occurring in the product as a function of treatment and storage time. Aerobically packaged tarama salad stored at 4 °C was taken as the control sample. Results showed that TVC exceeded 7 log cfu/g on day 12–13 of storage for control samples and day 31–32 for samples containing oregano oil. Samples containing either the O₂ absorber or the O₂ absorber plus oregano oil never reached 7 log cfu/g during the 60 day storage period. LAB were only partially inhibited by the oregano oil and/or the O₂ absorber. Yeasts and molds were totally inhibited by the O₂ absorber. Enterobacteriaceae populations were below the method detection limit (2 log cfu/g) H₂S-producing bacteria were the dominant spoilage microorganisms. Clostridum spp. was absent in 25 g sample. pH decreased from an initial value of 4.36 to 3.03 depending on specific treatment. Color parameters L and b increased and a decreased in control samples as well as in samples containing oregano oil. Color parameters remained unaffected in samples containing the O₂ absorber. TBA expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) values increased from 1.5 mg/kg to 3.4, 3.2 and 2.9 mg/kg for samples containing oregano oil, the O₂ absorber and O₂ absorber plus oregano oil at the point of sensory rejection, respectively. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) increased during storage with a respective decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) both in control samples and samples containing oregano oil. Fatty acid composition remained unaffected in all samples containing the O₂ absorber. Sensory shelf life was 24 days for the control samples, 32 days for samples containing oregano oil, 60 days for samples containing the O₂ absorber and at least 60 days for samples containing the O₂ absorber plus oregano oil.

Industrial relevance

Oxygen absorbers as well as plant essential oils are considered natural means of preservation and may substantially extend the shelf life of foodstuffs while maintaining desirable sensory attributes (taste, odor and color).     

Changes in microorganism, enzyme, aroma of hami melon (Cucumis melo L.) juice treated with dense phase carbon dioxide and stored at 4 °C

The effects of dense phase carbon dioxide (DP-CO₂) treatment of 8, 15, 22, 30 and 35 MPa for 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min at 35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C on microorganism, enzyme, and aroma compounds in hami melon juice during storage at 4 °C for 4-weeks were investigated. Meanwhile, the color, browning degree, and Vitamin C were also studied. The DP-CO₂ treatment had significant effects on inactivation of microorganism and enzyme. It was indicated that higher pressure caused more inactivation of microbial total count and enzyme activity. When it reached 35 Mpa, 55 °C, 60 min, the microorganism was totally inactivated. The least residual activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) was 25.26%, 38.46 and 0.02% at 35MP, respectively. The restoration of PPO, POD and LOX residual activity after DP-CO₂ treatment was also observed, which was dependent on the pressure level. The aroma compounds were less affected after being treated with DP-CO₂, and the flavor of the melon juice was close to the fresh juice after storage at 4 °C for 4 weeks and did not produced cook off-odor. The changes of lightness L and browning degree A during storage were well fitted to a first-order kinetic model. The Vitamin C concentration decreased by DP-CO₂ processing, but this loss was lower than of the untreated sample.

Industrial relevance

Hami melon is highly appreciated for its nutritional quality and special flavor. The flesh of melon is heat sensitive, the sensitive nutrients, color and aromatic profile will be spoiled greatly or off-odour when it was produced with high temperature treatment. Dense phase carbon dioxide processing (DP-CO₂) is important to find an innovative food process to inactivate the enzyme and microorganism and protect the nutrient and unique flavor. In this study, the data proved that DP-CO₂ processing is a promising non-thermal alternative pasteurization to preserved fresh-squeezed melon juice.     

Effect of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) muscle hydrolysates and fish skin hydrolysates on the quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) during 4 °C storage

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) skin and muscle were hydrolysed, respectively, and then used as part of an edible coating to preserve fish. The effects of muscle and skin hydrolysates as edible coatings for shelf life extension of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated over 18 days at 4 °C, by comparing these two treatments, a chitosan coating with muscle hydrolysate, chitosan alone, and an untreated control. All coatings were made up with 5% glycerol. The quality of the carp was assessed by using total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), total viable counts (TVC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and K value. Compared with the control group, the rate of increase in TVB‐N, TVC, TBA and K value of carp coated with fish skin hydrolysates, fish muscle hydrolysates and chitosan added to fish muscle hydrolysates were lower. According to the total viable counts, the storage life of fish with fish skin hydrolysates coatings and chitosan added fish muscle hydrolysates coatings were 16 days, 2 days longer than those with the chitosan coatings and twice as long as the control group.     

Quorum Sensing Involved in the Spoilage Process of the Skin and Flesh of Vacuum‐Packaged Farmed Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Stored at 4 °C

Fish skin has both positive and negative effects on the shelf‐life of the fish. This study aimed to investigate the spoilage process of the skin and flesh of refrigerated farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) with vacuum packaging. Microbial community changes were analyzed by combining culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results indicated that the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged refrigerated turbot was 16 d; skin mucus was the interference factor of turbot quality. The culture‐dependent analysis demonstrated that the total viable counts and the population of H₂S‐producing bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., and lactic acid bacteria in skin had a range of 0.45 to 1.40 log (CFU/g) higher than the microbial numbers in flesh after 16 d in storage. 16S high throughout sequencing results demonstrated that the compositions of spoilage microbes were similar in skin and flesh. Shewanella spp., followed by Carnobacterium spp., was the dominant spoilage organism at day 16. Quorum sensing (QS) signaling activity increased during the storage. Exogenous N‐butanoyl‐L‐homoserinelactone(C4‐HSL) and N‐hexanoyl‐Lhomoserine lactone (C6‐HSL) significantly accelerated the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot, while the addition of 4, 5‐Dihydroxypentane‐2, 3‐dione (DPD) prolonged the lag phase duration. Therefore, QS may be involved in the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot.     

Comparison of effects of slurry ice and flake ice pretreatments on the quality of aquacultured sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored at 4 °C

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small particles of spherical ice immersed in seawater at subzero temperature, was evaluated as a new chilled method for whole sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Two types of different chilling methods were used for two species in this study; slurry ice-treated sea bream (Group A), slurry ice-treated sea bass (Group B), flake-ice treated sea bream (Group C) and flake ice-treated sea bass (Group D). The effects of this system on the quality and shelf life of these two species were evaluated. Mesophilic counts for sea bass exceeded 7 log cfu/g, which is considered the maximum level for acceptability for freshwater and marine fish after 13 days for Groups C, D and 15 days for Groups A, B. At day 13, TVB-N values of Groups C, D reached the legal limits (35 mg/100 g set for TVB-N) for consumption. According to the results of sensory analyses, up to day 13, all the Groups were determined as ‘acceptable’ but, on day 15, the Groups A, B, C, D were no longer acceptable. Using slurry ice pretreatment for 2 h before the storage period presumably caused the deleterious effect on appearance as well as salt and water uptake. According to the results of chemical and microbiological analyses, use of slurry ice pretreatment for 2 h extended the shelf life of sea bream and sea bass stored at 4 °C for only two days longer than did use of flake ice.     

Effect of oregano and thyme essential oils on the microbiological and chemical quality of refrigerated (4 °C) ready‐to‐eat squid rings

The efficacy of oregano and thyme essential oils (OEO and TEO, respectively) in the quality retention of a refrigerated (4 °C) squid (Loligo vulgaris) ring ready‐to‐eat (RTE) product was studied. Essential oils were added at different concentrations to the coating medium during processing. An inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect of OEO on the microbial activity (aerobes, anaerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophs) of the squid rings was observed, with a more pronounced effect as OEO concentration increased. The addition of OEO also led to an inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect on lipid oxidation, as determined by peroxide, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance and interaction compound formation; however, no effect (P > 0.05) of the OEO concentrations on lipid oxidation development was detected. The addition of TEO did not lead to an inhibitory effect (P > 0.05) on the microbial activity of the refrigerated RTE squid, although a slight inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect on lipid oxidation was observed in the batches including the higher TEO concentrations.     

Combined effect of vacuum-packaging and oregano essential oil on the shelf-life of Mediterranean octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from the Aegean Sea stored at 4 °C

The present study evaluated the use of vacuum packaging (alone) or with addition of oregano essential oil (EO), as an antimicrobial treatment for shelf-life extension of fresh Mediterranean octopus stored under refrigeration for a period of 23 days. Four different treatments were tested: A, control sample; under aerobic storage in the absence of oregano essential oil; VP, under vacuum packaging in the absence of oregano essential oil; and VO1, VO2, treated samples with oregano essential oil 0.2 and 0.4% (v/w), respectively, under VP. Of all the microorganisms enumerated, Pseudomonas spp., H₂S-producing bacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were the groups that prevailed in octopus samples, irrespective of antimicrobial treatment. With regard to the chemical freshness indices determined, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were low in all octopus samples, as could have been expected from the low fat content of the product. Both trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values of oregano treated under VP octopus samples were significantly lower compared to control samples during the entire refrigerated storage period. Based primarily on sensory evaluation (odor), the use of VP, VO1 and VO2 extended the shelf-life of fresh Mediterranean octopus by ca. 3, 11 and 20 days, respectively.