Quality of Atlantic Cod Frozen in Cell Alive System,Air-Blast,and Cold Storage Freezers

ABSTRACT

Gutted Atlantic cod, packed in cartons, were frozen immediately after killing in a magnetic field (cell alive system). The results were compared with traditional air-blast freezing or by putting the cartons directly in a cold storage room (without forced convection of air). After frozen storage, external and fillet properties were compared. In spite of differences in freezing rates, only minor differences were found among treatments. The mechanism for the freezing of fish in the magnetic field, under the current conditions, appeared to be similar to that of traditional freezing methods.     

Effects of Packaging Method on Salt-Cured Cod Yield and Quality During Storage

Different packaging conditions of salt-cured cod fillets were studied during 2-years chilled storage. Yield and quality of salt-cured Atlantic cod fillets packed in sealed polystyrene boxes or in traditional cardboard boxes were compared. After 4 months, yield decreased by approximately 10% and decreased further when packed in cardboard boxes. Lipid oxidation was low after 12 months, and no microbiological spoilage was registered. The total amount of bacteria in the fish reduced with storage time, independent of packaging. The reddish color of halophilic bacteria was detected after 7–8 weeks at 18°C, but not if packed with MAP.     

Effect of Temperature on Quality-Related Changes in Cod (Gadus morhua) During Short- and Long-Term Frozen Storage

Cod (Gadus morhua) was stored at eight temperatures (?10 to ?80°C) for 1 to 18 months, after which quality indicators were measured—including drip loss, water holding capacity, low field NMR spin-spin relaxation, color, amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and lysosomal Cathepsin D activities. Results from samples stored up to 12 months showed no significant differences between ?30°C and lower temperatures. The NMR measurements, however, indicated some changes in the water distribution of samples stored at ?30°C for 12 or more months compared to storage at ?40°C or lower.     

Effects of Chilled Storage,Freezing Rates,and Frozen Storage Temperature on Lipid Oxidation in Meat Blocks from Cultured Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus

ABSTRACT

The effects of a short chilled storage period before freezing, frozen storage temperature, and freezing rate on lipid oxidation of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) meat during frozen storage were investigated. After 12-months storage, all samples had increased in peroxide value though they were less at the lower temperatures (?45 and ?60°C). Peroxide values in all samples stored at ?20°C increased after 3 months storage, particularly those processed and stored 51 h after harvest. The lowest increase in peroxide value occurred in the samples frozen rapidly 3 h after harvest. Vitamin E levels decreased faster during frozen storage at ?20°C. There were no apparent differences in levels of triacylglycerides nor in n-3 fatty acid levels between treatments, storage periods, and storage temperatures. After 12-months storage, headspace oxidative volatiles were highest in samples stored at ?20°C and lowest in those stored at ?60°C. Lipid oxidation in tuna meat stored at ?45°C is similar to that at ?60°C, and rapid freezing rather than slow freezing should be used.     

Lipid Oxidation and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Retention in Salmon and Mackerel Nuggets During Frozen Storage

The extent of lipid oxidation and retention of omega (ω)-3 fatty acids in milk protein concentrate (MPC)-added mackerel and salmon mince and nuggets during 4-months frozen storage were investigated in order to develop high ω-3 seafood products. Mechanically deboned fish mince formulated with MPC and other ingredients was formed into batter-breaded nuggets with or without par-frying. The addition of MPC at 4% resulted in significantly lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values and helped retain significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in both salmon and mackerel mince and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the mackerel mince. There were no significant differences in peroxide values (PV) and TBARS values between nugget products with and without par-frying. EPA and DHA were retained less in par-fried than raw nuggets probably due to oil leaching and thermal degradation during frying. The reductions of EPA and DHA in salmon were 67% and 53% for raw and 57% and 39% for par-fried nuggets, while in mackerel they were 63% and 73% for raw and 57% and 56% for par-fried nuggets, respectively. Results suggest that although MPC provided some protection against lipid oxidation, additional measures are needed to improve retention of ω-3 fatty acids in mince-based seafood products during frozen storage.     

Composition,Lipid Changes,and Sensory Evaluation of Two Sizes of Channel Catfish During Frozen Storage

The effects of size of fish on composition and of time in storage at -18°C on lipid and sensory changes for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were investigated. Dressed large (1.0 kg) fish (LF) averaged 13.2% fat, while dressed small (0.3 kg) fish (SF) averaged 10.8% fat (P < 0.05). Moisture was lower (P < 0.05) for LF (68.1 vs. 70.8%). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for LF increased during the first ten months and dropped during the 12th month, while TBA values reached their highest level after the 8th month for SF. Free fatty acids did not change for LF but increased (P < 0.05) throughout storage for SF. Lipids for both sizes of fish were 25% saturated, 58% monounsaturated, and 17% polyunsaturated fatty acids. C 14:0, C 18:0, and C 18:3 acids decreased after 12 months of frozen storage. LF were rated higher (P < 0.05) in flavor for the first four months but were not rated significantly different from SF thereafter. These results indicate that although LF contained more fat, they did not oxidize any more than did SF, and both sizes were acceptable to panelists throughout the study. Thus, if channel catfish is handled and stored properly regardless of size, it should be acceptable even after 12 months frozen storage.     

Muscle Quality and Proteolytic Enzymes of Farmed Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) During Storage: Effects of Pre-Slaughter Handling and Increased Storage Temperature

ABSTRACT

In the present experiment, the characteristics of minimally handled, directly slaughtered farmed Atlantic cod were compared to cod subjected to 2 h preslaughter handling stress. The results strongly indicate that increasing the storage temperature from 0 to 5°C had a larger negative impact on the quality characteristics than the handling stress applied. Further, there may be interaction effects between handling, storage temperature, and storage time.     

Quality and Shelf Life of Liver of Farmed Cod (Gadus morhua)

ABSTRACT

Livers of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are traditionally used in cod liver oil production or consumed cooked or canned. The farming of cod is a relatively new industry in Norway. The aim of this study was to determine quality and shelf life of fresh liver from farmed cod during chilled storage on ice by hydrolysis and oxidation state and sensory quality and the influence on canned liver. In two experiments, livers from farmed cod were stored chilled and sampled from Days 0 to 13, respectively. Quality, measured as hydrolytic and oxidation degradation, was reduced after 7 days of storage, while sensory quality was reduced after 4 days. Free fatty acids increased from Day 7 in both experiments, while peroxide value and anisidine value showed no change when the livers were single wrapped. Rancid odor was the first sign of oxidation and was registered after three to four days of storage. Canning within 2 days of storage prevented leakage of oil from the canned livers. Sensory analyses of oxidation are recommended as a sensitive and rapid method to detect oxidation of chilled cod liver.     

Influence of the Dietary Addition of Butylated-Hydroxytoluene and Lipid Level on the Flesh Lipid Quality of Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) During Frozen Storage

The main aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of dietary butylated-hydroxytoulene (BHT as an antioxidant) and dietary lipid level on flesh lipid quality of Beluga sturgeon during frozen storage. An initial 135-day feeding trial evaluated practical-type diets containing 0 or 250 mg BHT kg^?1 with two lipid levels (12 and 24% diet on dry matter basis) in a factorial arrangement. Fillet samples were analyzed fresh or after storage at ?18 ± 1°C for 12 months. Dietary antioxidant supplementation had no significant effect on fat content and fatty acid composition in the studied fish muscle, but increasing the lipid concentration in the feed increased muscle lipid concentration. Lipid oxidation in fish muscle is related to increasing lipid concentration in the feed. In addition, oxidation was reduced for fish fed BHT. Results showed that dietary BHT supplementation can slow down the level of lipid oxidation in Beluga sturgeon muscles during frozen storage, but it had a direct relationship with dietary lipid level.     

Effect of Vacuum Packaging and Sous Vide Processing on the Quality of Indian White Shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) During Chilled Storage

A comparative study was undertaken to assess the effect of sous vide (SV) processing, vacuum, and ordinary air packaging on the quality and shelf life of condiment-incorporated Indian white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) during chilled storage. The pasteurization value (PV) for SV-processed shrimp was 4.02 min at 90ºC. The initial K value of shrimp (2.17%) increased to 5.26% with SV processing and further increased to a value of 46.9% on the day of sensory rejection, compared with 64.3% and 62.7% for vacuum and air-packed samples, respectively. A nearly 3 log reduction in total mesophilic count was observed for SV-processed shrimp. Formation of volatile bases, indole, and lipid oxidation was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in SV-processed shrimp compared to others. SV processing extended the shelf life of condiment-incorporated shrimp up to 28 days, compared to only 15 and 8 days for vacuum and air-packed samples, respectively.     

Quality of Filleted Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber Scombrus) During Chilled and Frozen Storage: Changes in Lipids,Vitamin D,Proteins, and Small Metabolites,including Biogenic Amines

Quality changes of vacuum-packed Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets during 12 months’ frozen storage at ?27°C and 9 days’ chilled storage at +4°C were evaluated. Freezing at ?27°C preserved the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), both in light and dark muscle, vitamin D, and the low molecular weight metabolites (LMW) (studied by high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, HR NMR). Protein oxidation took place, especially between 1 and 7 months, decreasing water holding capacity and protein extractability. During chilled storage, no lipid or protein oxidation was observed, but lipolysis increased, and several LMW metabolites relevant for sensory and nutritional quality degraded into non-favorable compounds. The content of biogenic amines was high at day 9 (e.g., 18 mg histamine/100 g), jeopardizing safety. Preservation of mackerel fillets by freezing at ?27°C is thus a better option compared to prolonged chilled storage at +4°C; the quality was well preserved for 12 months’ frozen storage.     

Nutritional Quality,Physical Properties and Lipid Stability of Ready-to-cook Fish Products are Preserved during Frozen Storage and Oven-cooking

ABSTRACT

Ready-to-cook clean label products were formulated based on two ratios (50:50 and 30:70, R1 and R2) of mechanically separated European sea bass and rainbow trout. R1 and R2, tested as raw and oven-cooked, were stable during 90 days at ?18^°C in terms of proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition, shear force, pH, color, and lipid oxidizability. Raw and cooked R1 and R2 were rich in protein (13.76 g/100 g) and unsaturated n3 FA. Shear force and b* of raw R2 were higher than R1 (P < .05). Overall, R2 (more trout) better preserved its characteristics and oxidizability than R1.     

Quality Changes in Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Caviar (ikura) Affected by Thermal Pasteurization,Storage Time,and Packaging Material

Changes in quality parameters including pH, water activity, texture, and lipid oxidation were studied in pasteurized chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) ikura samples packaged using two films with different oxygen transmission rates (OTR) (40 and 62 cm³·m^?2·day^?1; F-40 and F-62), during 60 days storage at 4°C. No significant differences in pH and water activity (a_w) were observed between ikura packaged using two different films with different OTR (P > 0.05). However, compared to the first day of study, water activity decreased significantly in ikura (P < 0.05). Ikura thiobarbituric reactive substance (TBARS) in the pouches significantly increased during the storage at 4°C (P < 0.05). Both pouches showed similar trends in TBARS until day 29, while after day 29, ikura packaged in F-62 (OTR = 62 cm³·m^?2·day^?1) showed a significant increase in TBARS compared to F-40 with less OTR (P < 0.05). The texture of ikura became softer compared to the first day; however, no significant difference was observed between the ikura samples in two pouches (P < 0.05). The quality changes of ikura measured during storage indicate that packaging ikura in a lower OTR film would provide greater quality retention than one with higher OTR.     

Changes in Protein Oxidation,Water-Holding Capacity,and Texture of Bighead Carp (Aristichthys Nobilis) Fillets Under Chilled and Partial Frozen Storage

This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of protein oxidation to the changes in the water-holding capacity (WHC) and texture of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets under chilled and partial frozen storage (4°C and ?3°C). The results indicated that less protein oxidation occurred to fillets at ?3°C than at 4°C, which was reflected by the higher value of salt-soluble protein contents (SSP), total sulfhydryl content (SH), Ca²⁺-ATPase activity, lower water-soluble protein contents (WSP), total disulfide content (SS), and surface hydrophobicity (So-ANS). However, the fillets had better WHC and texture at 4°C, as well as lower drip loss and higher centrifugal loss, hardness, and springiness. A significant linear relationship existed between protein oxidation parameters with WHC and texture characteristics for fillets under both types of storage, but the process of freezing and then thawing, instead of protein oxidation, was the main factor affecting the texture and WHC of fillets at ?3°C.     

Control of Lipid Oxidation and Texture Changes in Frozen Sardine Mince by Combined Use of Milk Protein Concentrate and Caffeic Acid

The effectiveness of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and caffeic acid in controlling lipid oxidation and texture changes in 6-month frozen stored sardine mince was investigated using two different concentrations of caffeic acid (200 and 400 ppm) with and without MPC (4%). The extent of lipid oxidation was monitored by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) while changes in the texture of mince due to frozen storage were assessed using Texture Analyzer (TA.XT Plus) and sensory analysis. Cooking loss upon frozen storage was also determined. The addition of MPC and/or caffeic acid significantly reduced lipid oxidation throughout the storage period. However, neither added benefit nor synergistic effect in retarding lipid oxidation was shown by caffeic acid. MPC not only retarded lipid oxidation but also moderated texture hardening, cooking loss, and moistness during frozen storage. No improvement by caffeic acid alone and no significant differences in sensory firmness and moistness between MPC-added mince with and without caffeic acid indicate that caffeic acid did not play any role in texture and moisture control. This study suggests that lipid oxidation and texture of frozen sardine mince can be better controlled by using MPC alone.     

Stability of Krill Meal,Astaxanthin, and Canthaxanthin Color in Cultured Rainbow Trout (Oncorthynchus mykiss) Fillets During Frozen Storage and Cooking

Rainbow trout were pigmented with diets containing synthetic astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, or dried krill meal to 6 mg carotenoid/Kg (wwb) flesh. Vacuum packaged frozen fillets were held at -18°C, -28°C or -80°C for 90 d, 180 d, or 90 d, thawed, and refrozen for an additional 90 d. Tristimulus color (L*,a*,b*), carotenoid concentration, fatty acid composition and TBARS were measured for raw and cooked fillets. We observed no change in pigment content or in a* values after 180 d frozen storage or following a thaw/refreeze cycle compared to fresh fish, even though a higher a* values were seen in fillets from fish fed synthetic astaxanthin or canthaxanthin after 90 d frozen storage suggesting that care should be used when interpreting tristimulus color values for grading programs.     

Stability of Fish Powder Made from Saithe (Pollachius virens) as Measured by Lipid Oxidation and Functional Properties

ABSTRACT

Lipid oxidation and functional properties were monitored in spray dried fish powder made from saithe (Pollachius virens) by-products. The fresh powder exhibited slight antioxidant activity in a model system of linoleic acid emulsion. The freshly made powder had low lipid extract-ability in polar solvents and over 30% free fatty acids (FFA). Further lipid oxidation took place during storage, independent of storage temperatures. Functional properties measured by color changes, water-binding capacity, apparent viscosity and protein solubilty changed more during storage at 30°C than 0°C.     

Seasonal cycle and regulation by temperature of antifreeze protein mRNA in a Long Island population of winter flounder

The seasonal cycle and regulation by temperature of antifreeze protein mRNA (AF mRNA) were investigated in a Long Island population of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) by Northern blot hybridization and by in vitro translation of liver RNA. AF mRNA was expressed at high levels in the fall and winter (Nov.–Feb.) and at low or undetectable levels in the summer. The time of accumulation of AF mRNA coincides with the time during which water temperature and photoperiod decrease to 4°C and 9 h of light per day, respectively. A temperature and photoperiod decrease in the laboratory during this time also resulted in high levels of AF mRNA. The levels of other mRNAs, as assayed by in vitro translation, were relatively constant during both seasonal acclimation and laboratory acclimation. The seasonal cycle of AF mRNA in Long Island winter flounder is similar to that of a more northern, Newfoundland population of winter flounder and different from that of an intermediate, New Brunswick population. These similarities and dissimilarities are discussed in light of potentially different exogenous and endogenous regulatory cues in the different populations.     

Setting Ability of Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus japonicus) Meat as Affected by Freezing and Frozen Storage with Special Reference to Transglutaminase Enzyme Activity and Rheological Properties

The effect of freezing and frozen storage of threadfin bream fish (Nemipterus japonicus) meat on the setting and gel-forming ability has been evaluated. The dynamic viscoelastic properties of fish meat during setting and thermal gelation process were evaluated using Controlled Stress Rheometer under oscillatory mode. A sharp decrease in setting ability was recorded immediately after freezing as revealed by storage modulus (G?) values. The transglutaminase (TGase) enzyme activity of fish meat decreased from the initial value of 81.09 to 51.46 U/g meat/min at the end of 200 days of frozen storage. A decrease in setting ability of fish meat beyond 160 days of frozen storage is probably related to lower TGase enzyme activity. The gel-forming ability was related to setting ability during the frozen storage period. Although the protein solubility showed a decreasing trend during 200 days of frozen storage, the decrease was not significant. The effect of freezing and frozen storage on calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Ca²⁺-ATPase) enzyme activity of fish mince was significant (P < 0.05). A reduction in protein solubility and Ca²⁺-ATPase enzyme activity is an indication of aggregation/denaturation of myofibrillar proteins.     

Bleeding of Farmed Atlantic Cod: Residual Blood,Color, and Quality Attributes of Pre- and Postrigor Fillets as Affected by Perimortem Stress and Different Bleeding Methods

The main objectives of the study were to (a) assess the effect of perimortem stress on blood drainage, (b) compare the efficiency of gill cutting and direct gutting as bleeding methods, and (c) compare pre- and postrigor filleting strategies for presence of residual blood in Atlantic cod fillets. Anesthetized cod had significantly higher drainage of blood compared to stressed fish. Nevertheless, the visual assessments of residual blood were not affected by stress or bleeding method. Some minor, but significant, differences between pre- and postrigor fillets were found. Stressed fish were initially less light in color than those unstressed, but after ice storage there was no noticeable difference. However, initially, the largest difference in fillet color was due to different bleeding methods. Fillets cut from fish subjected to gill cutting were lighter and less red in color than those bled by direct gutting. After 7 and 21 days of storage, the color differences observed in fresh and salted fillets, respectively, were mainly due to the different rigor status when they were filleted, indicating that fillets cut postrigor were superior to fillets cut prerigor. Prerigor filleting resulted in lower water holding capacity after ice storage in anesthetized, direct gutted cod.