Extra-Cold Storage of Hake and Mackerel Fillets and Mince

Extra-cold storage (?30 and ?40°C) of mackerel (Scomber scombras) mince and fillets showed lower free fatty acid formation. Extra-cold storage (-30°C) of white hake (Urophycti tenuis) fillets produced fish with better quality based on sensory and chemical indices. The colder the storage temperature, the less firm the hake mince and fillets. Ascorbic acid accelerated cohesiveness development of mackerel mince and fillets. Over time, the quality of the hake and mackerel decreased according to sensory and chemical indices. They became tougher and generally more cohesive.     

Sardine Surimi Gels as Affected by Salt Concentration, Blending, Heat Treatment and Moisture

The effects of simultaneous modification of salt concentration, blending time, moisture content and heat treatment at different setting and cooking temperatures and time on characteristics of sardine (Surdina pilchardus) surimi gels was examined using a randomized incomplete block design. Maximum gel strength (GS) was obtained at highest salt concentrations and 78% moisture. Pre-setting was required to achieve acceptable gel quality. Highest GS values were found in gels set for 30–60 min at 35°C prior to heating at 90°C for 40 min. However, GS decreased after prolonged heating at 90°C. Gels set at 25, 35 and 40°C for 90 min had lower GS values when heated at 90°C for 40 min but were stable during further heating.     

Effect of Different Processing Methods and Salt Content on the Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Meat Batters

The physicochemical and rheological properties of raw and cooked batters produced by a chopping or beating process with various amounts of salt content were studied. Various meat batters were made up for this purpose: the batter processed by chopping with 2% salt, by beating with 1% salt and 2% salt, respectively. Compared with the chopping, the beating cooked batters had higher L* value, hardness, G’ value at 80°C, and lower cooking loss. Using the beating process, the batter with 1% salt had lower L* values, hardness, springiness, and higher cooking loss than the 2% salt. From the micrographs, the batters produced by beating process exhibited more uniform and compact microstructure than the chopping. The result of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance exhibited that the batters of beating had higher water holding capacity than the chopping. Overall, the beating process enabled lowering of the salt content, cooking loss, and making the cooked batter more hard and elastic.     

Effects of Thermal Sensitivity of Fish Proteins from Various Species on Rheological Properties of Gels

ABSTRACT: Thermal sensitivity of myofibrillar proteins from various fish species were compared at various preincubation (setting) treatments and chopping temperatures. There was a significant species effect on gel texture by both pre‐incubation and chopping temperatures. Whereas Alaska pollock had the highest shear stress values at 5 °C or lower temperatures, big eye, lizardfish, and threadfin bream had higher fracture shear stress values at 25 °C or higher temperatures. Decreased intensity of myosin heavy chain (MHC) for warm‐water species set at 40 °C clearly revealed higher thermal stability of these particular species.     

Hot-boning, Tumbling, Salt and Chopping Temperature Effects on Cooking Yield and Acceptability of Emulsion-type Pork Sausage

Hot-boned or chilled pork with addition of 2% or 3% salt was used to prepare emulsion-type pork sausage. Different tumbling periods and a variety of chopping temperatures were evaluated. Emulsifying capacity (EC), water-holding capacity (WHC), pH, total plate count (TPC) and organoleptic properties were determined. Hot boned pork with 3% added salt had higher EC, pH, WHC, cooking yield and lower TPC than chilled meat samples with 2% added salt. As chopping temperature increased, WHC decreased and TPC increased. However, an intermediate chopping temperature of 12.8°C produced superior yield.     

Development of a healthy low-fat fish sausage containing dietary fibre

In order to develop a healthy low-fat fish sausage containing dietary fibre (DF), three fundamental changes were made to an ordinary pork sausage recipe: incorporation of 4% (w/w) of Swelite^® (a DF obtained from inner pea), different levels of pork meat replacement (0%, 50% and 100%) by hake mince and the combination of varying amounts of Fibruline^® (a DF obtained from chicory root) and hake mince (Fibruline: additional hake mince, 2.6:5.2, 5.2:2.6 and 7.8:0.0, % w/w) as a substitute for pork fat. It was found that the addition of Swelite to pork sausage favoured greater gel strength and hardness. On the contrary, increasing levels of pork meat replacement by hake reduced the sausages’ gel strength and hardness. Finally, sausages without pork fat showed promising textural and colour parameters. High-Fibruline sausages were less cohesive and chewable than pork fat sausages (control), but also exhibited a greater gel strength. Low-Fibruline ones presented almost all textural properties similar to the control, with exception of hardness and gumminess. Therefore, regarding some key textural parameters, it was possible to produce low-fat fish sausages similar to the ordinary pork sausages.     

Gamma Irradiation Effects on Shelf Life and Gel Forming Properties of Washed Red Hake (Urophycis chuss) Fish Mince

Fresh washed red hake (Urophycis chuss) mince without cryoprotectants was irradiated at 0 (control), 0.66 and 1.31 kGy and stored aerobically at 3.3°C. The total aerobic plate counts of the control and the low and high levels irradiated samples remained less than 10⁶ CFU/ g for 4, 10, and 17 days, respectively. Gel strength decreased after irradiation of mince, and such decreases were dose-dependent. Irradiation extended sensory shelf life of unfrozen fish mince 12–18 days and microbiologically (<10⁶ CFU/g) 6–13 days longer than the unirradiated control.     

Electrophoretic Identification of Fish Species Used in Surimi Products

Both sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and urea gel isoelectric focusing (IEF) were used to identify species-specific protein bands of raw and cooked fish and surimi samples from Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and red hake (Urophycis chuss). In raw samples, species-specific bands were found in the water extracts, while in cooked samples 1% SDS and 8M urea extracts were more effective for species identification in both fish and surimi.     

Improvement of Moisture Stability and Textural Properties of Fat and Salt Reduced Cooked Sausages by Inoculation of Thermotolerant Lactic Acid Bacteria

Four thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria strains (UAM15c, UAM10a, UAM17, UAM18) were inoculated in two cooked sausage formulations (one full fat and sodium and one fat-sodium reduced). Total moisture content, expressible moisture and cooking stability, pH and CIE-Lab color, and texture were evaluated during 15 days of storage at 4°C. Inoculation improved cooking stability and reduced water release in both formulations, resulting as well in lighter and less red and yellow coloration. Inoculation of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria resulted in less hard and more cohesive texture. Microscopy showed that P. acidilacti UAM15c and L. plantarum UAM10a secreted exopolysaccharides probably related to high moisture stability and better textural properties, as compared with non-inoculated samples.     

Gel-forming ability of small scale mud carp (Cirrhiana microlepis) unwashed and washed mince as related to endogenous proteinases and transglutaminase activities

Gel-forming ability of small scale mud carp (Cirrhiana microlepis) mince and washed mince was investigated with respect to their proteinase and transglutaminase (TGase) activities. Proteinases in sarcoplasmic fluid showed the optimum activity at 65 °C and pH 9, whereas autolytic activity was maximum at 70 °C and pH 10, indicating the presence of heat-stable alkaline proteinases. When mince was washed with three volumes of water twice, TGase and proteinases were mainly removed in the first washing cycle, resulting in a decreased autolytic activity of washed mince. Breaking force of the single washed mince gels was greater than the twice washed mince and the unwashed mince gels (p<0.05). Pre-incubation of mince pastes at 40 °C for 1 h prior to cooking (90 °C/30 min) increased breaking force of all samples, particularly the single washed mince (p<0.05). This coincided with an increase of higher molecular weight polymers observed on SDS-PAGE. Washing did not completely eliminate proteinases as it was evident by an increased trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble oligopeptides of washed gels pre-incubated at 55 °C. Whiteness values of washed mince gels were greater than that of mince gels.     

Morphology of starch in surimi gels

 The purpose of this work was to study the changes undergone by starch during heat-induced surimi gel preparation either with or without added egg white, and their effects on the structure of gels using light and scanning electron microscopy. Gels were made from SA-grade Alaska pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) surimi with: (1) salt (3%, w/w); (2) salt and waxy corn starch (3% and 5%, respectively w/w); or (3) salt, waxy corn starch and egg white (3%, 5% and 5%, respectively, w/w). Final moisture was adjusted to 73% or 83%. The gels were prepared by prior setting (40°C, 30 min, followed by 90°C, 30 min) or cooking (90°C, 30 min). The prepared gel was frozen and stored at –20°C (±1°C) until analysis. Samples were observed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the starch granules alter according to the processing conditions, with the predominance of crystalline or amorphous morphology depending upon the availability of heat and water. Large cavities formed in the protein gel matrix during setting can trap water; as a result, water availability is limited for starch to swell and gelatinize even in the high-moisture gel. Received: 13 March 1997     

Processing and Frozen Storage Effects on the Iron Content of Cod and Mackerel

Processing and subsequent frozen storage affected the iron content of cod (Gadus morhua) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle tissue. Frame mince was obtained from the bone rack, without the head or viscera remaining, after filleting. Frame mince had significantly higher iron levels than intact fillets with or without skin or fillets that were subsequently minced. Skin-on fillets had more iron than skin-off fillets. Cod frame mince had about 50% heme iron, while mackerel frame mince ranged from 20-64%. Nonheme iron increased during frozen storage due to heme breakdown. Storage above ?14°C was more deleterious to the heme molecule than lower temperatures (?20°C or ?40°C).     

Electrical Properties of Fish Mince During Multi-frequency Ohmic Heating

A multi-frequency ohmic heating system with 30 Hz～1 MHz range which could deliver 250 watts was developed for measuring electrical conductivity and absolute dielectric loss of food samples. Pacific whiting surimi paste and stabilized mince in the 20～70°C range were tested at frequencies from 55 Hz to 200 kHz. Sample impedance decreased slightly with frequency. The DC electrical conductivity (σ_dc) and absolute dielectric loss (ε″) of Pacific whiting surimi paste increased with temperature and salt concentration; adc and ε″ of the stabilized mince increased with temperature. Empirical models of electrical properties for surimi paste (moisture content 79% and salt at 1, 2 or 3%) and stabilized mince (77% moisture and 0.74% salt) were derived. Electrolytic corrosion diminished with frequency.     

Effect of Steam-Assisted Hybrid Cooking on Textural Quality Characteristics,Cooking Loss,and Free Moisture Content of Beef

Semitendinosus muscles were cooked in a steam-assisted hybrid oven and also convection ovens at three different oven temperatures (180, 210, and 240°C) until three different end point temperatures [65°C (medium-rare), 72°C (medium), 80°C (medium-well)] were reached. Textural properties of cooked beef were investigated by the Warner Bratzler shear test and texture profile analysis. Cooking loss and free moisture content of muscle tissue was determined for each cooking condition. In addition, sensory analysis was carried out in order to compare with the instrumental results and correlations between instrumental texture parameters and sensory results. Steam-assisted hybrid oven cooking of beef resulted in a tougher texture, higher cooking loss, and lower free moisture content than convection cooking. High correlation coefficients (r² > 0.70) were observed between instrumental texture measurements and sensory results for all ovens, especially in terms of tenderness. The free moisture content and adhesiveness values were also correlated well with juiciness (r² > 0.70) for all oven types.     

Effects of Hydrolysates from Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Scales on Rancidity Stability and Gel Properties of Fish Products

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrolysates, which were obtained from the scales of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) by papain, flavourzyme, and Alcalase 2.4 L, as natural antioxidants in silver carp mince and surimi gels during storage at 4 °C. The hydrolysates that possess greater in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH radical-scavenging activity, Fe²⁺-chelating activity, and reducing power), including hydrolysates catalyzed by papain at 10 min (HP), flavourzyme at 5 min (HF), and Alcalase 2.4 L at 5 min (HA), were chosen as additives. Color, cooking loss, conjugated dienes (CDs), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), fatty acids, and sensory scores of mince were measured on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 during 4 °C storage; additionally, whiteness, breaking force, deformation, gel strength, and sensory score of surimi gels were measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 during 4 °C storage. The results indicate that HA was conducive to lowering the cooking loss of mince and that HF significantly (P?<?0.05) reduced the CDs value of mince. For surimi gels, HF improved whiteness, deformation, and gel strength. Hence, HF could serve as a natural antioxidant during early oxidation and improve gel formation of silver carp products.     

Optimum chopping conditions for Alaska pollock, Pacific whiting, and threadfin bream surimi paste and gel based on rheological and Raman spectroscopic analysis

Rheological and Raman spectroscopic properties of surimi from three species [Alaska pollock (AP) (cold water), Pacific whiting (temperate water), and threadfin bream (warm water)] were investigated as affected by various chopping conditions. Comminuting Alaska pollock surimi at 0 °C demonstrated superior gel hardness and cohesiveness when chopping time was extended to 15-18 min; however, long chopping time at higher temperatures resulted in a significantly decreased gel texture particularly at 20 °C. Warm water fish threadfin bream exhibited higher gel texture when chopping was done longer at higher temperature. Rheological properties were significantly affected by both chopping time and temperature. Species effect, based on their thermal stability, was readily apparent. Raman spectroscopy revealed a significant change in disulfide linkage and the reduction of secondary structure upon extended chopping. Dynamic oscillation rheology demonstrated the damage of light meromyoisn and lowering of onset of gelling temperature as the chopping time was extended. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Chopping conditions to determine gel quality and manufacture surimi seafood are varied by all manufacturers. This paper covering three primary species for surimi with their suggested optimum chopping conditions: 15 min for Alaska pollock when chopped at 0 °C, 15 min for Pacific whiting at 15-20 °C, and 18 min for threadfin bream at 25-30 °C. The use of optimum chopping condition should maximize the value of each surimi and provide consistent quality to the end users.     

Reduced Fat, High Moisture Beef Frankfurters as Affected by Chopping Temperature

Six treatment combinations were studied to determine the effects of initial temperature (0, 15, 30°C) and endpoint chopping temperatures (0, 15, 30, 45°C) on texture and stability of reduced fat, high moisture beef frankfurters. Textural properties (raw batter, frankfurter) and purge loss were determined over 8 wk storage. As endpoint chopping temperature increased, batter stability and shear force decreased. In most samples, initial temperature did not affect texture or stability. Endpoint chopping temperatures of ± 15°C resulted in most stable batters. Chopping > 15°C lowered product quality.     

Fracture of Alaska Pollock Gels in Water: Effects of Minced Muscle Processing and Test Temperature

The effects of temperature on instrumental textural measurements of cooked Alaska pollock gels were evaluated. Independent variables were: raw materials (minced muscle, washed minced muscle alone or with cryoprotectants), cooking schedule (90°C for 20 min with/without preconditioning at 25°C) and test temperatures. Gels tested at 5°C were more brittle than those tested at 45–55°C. Gels preset at 25°C for 1 hr prior to cooking at 90°C had higher fracture shear stress values and were influenced differently by test temperatures than those not preset suggesting cooking history influenced structure of the gels at the molecular level. Results indicated gels set at 25°C were probably stabilized by more covalent bonds.     

Heat Treatment and Drying of Capelin Mince. Effect on Water Binding and Soluble Protein

Capelin mince was heated and dried and the two functional properties, water holding and soluble protein, were measured as functions of time, temperature, moisture content in the mince, and rate of drying. Heating and drying reduced water holding and soluble protein. Loss of water holding started between 30 and 35°C while soluble protein was first reduced between 40 and 50°C. The effects increased with increasing time and temperature but were almost independent of moisture content in the range 30–70% water. Heat stability increased at low moisture contents. Water holding and soluble protein in dried samples were generally a little higher than in samples which were heat treated at corresponding times and temperatures.     

Varietal differences in properties of extrusion-cooked rice flour

Ten milled rices differing in starch properties were extrusion cooked through a twin screw extruder at 15% moisture and 120, 135 and 150°C. Instron hardness values of extrudate were lowest at 150°C. Extrusion cooking drastically reduced viscosity in 0·2n KOH and in water without any decrease in amylose content and with little increase in reducing sugars. Spherical protein bodies were intact in the protein masses uniformly dispersed in the gelatinized starch matrix. Amylose content and gel consistency of raw rice flour were significantly correlated with expansion ratio only at 135°C, water absorption and solubility indexes at all temperatures and with gel viscosity of extrudates. Only gel consistency of raw flour correlated with cold paste viscosity of extrudate. Final gelatinization temperature of starch was not significantly correlated with any extrudate property.