Effect of ultrasound-assisted freezing combined with potassium alginate on the quality attributes and myofibril structure of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)
Hao Cheng, Chuhan Bian, Huijie Yu, Jun Mei, Jing Xie
Abstract
This research evaluated the effects of ultrasound-assisted freezing (UAF) at different power (160 W, 175 W, 190 W) combined with potassium alginate (PA, as the water-retaining agents) on the physicochemical quality, water-holding capacity (WHC), moisture migration and distribution, and myofibril structure of large yellow croaker. UAF-175 with PA as the freezing medium retained a better performance, such as color, texture, WHC, and water distribution. The pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were the most desirable under the PA-UAF-175 treatment, as well as the flavor of the samples. In addition, it maintained the stability of myofibrils and reduced myofibril denaturation. Therefore, PA-UAF-175 treatment could be a possible freezing method as it maintained the quality properties and revealed better myofibril characteristics of large yellow croaker.