Peer-reviewed articles

The Effect of Freezing Before or after Hot-Smoking on the Quality and Sensory Properties of Canned Deep-Skinned Atlantic Mackerel Fillets

Growing fish consumption worldwide has driven fish processors to introduce innovative seafood products with extended shelf-life and desirable organoleptic properties. This study investigates the impact of freezing deep-skinned Atlantic mackerel fillets before and after smoking, prior to canning. Physicochemical and organoleptic properties of canned fillets were evaluated after 1 and 12 months of storage at room temperature. The formation of primary oxidation products (PV) was similar in both cases, while the secondary oxidation products (TBARS) were significantly lower when the fillets were smoked before freezing. PV and TBARS were significantly lower in all canned mackerel samples after prolonged canned storage compared to the shorter storage. However, lipid oxidation and hydrolysis were very limited after both treatments and, therefore, do not constitute an issue in these products. Results of product evaluation and instrumental texture analysis of canned mackerel indicated more beneficial characteristics (firmer fillets, nor mushy) when fillets were frozen first and then hot-smoked (FSC). Fillets that were smoked first and then frozen (SFC), regardless of the canning storage time, were characterized by a mushy texture and appearance, which can negatively impact consumer acceptance. Therefore, freezing prior to hot-smoking may represent a better choice if the fillets are intended for canning.

Peer-reviewed articles

Sensory and Physicochemical Characteristics of Smoked Deep-Skinned Fillets from Well-Fed Atlantic Mackerel When Canned in Water and Vegetable Oils

The suitability of using sunflower and rapeseed oils, and water as media for the canning of smoked fillets from Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) caught during feeding migration was investigated. Physicochemical and sensory changes were evaluated after one month of storage at room temperature. The aqueous medium in the cans led to significantly higher water content and lower salt content than when sunflower or rapeseed oil was used, indicating that while additional water was absorbed by the fillets, salt was leached due to the cook-out effect during sterilization and storage . Using sunflower oil, regardless of the ratio, resulted in better retention of the traditional and desired smoky odor and flavor, and preserved the juicy and tender texture of the fillets better than when rapeseed oil was used. Fillets canned in water exhibited a significantly lower salty flavor and fat-in-mouth attribute than those canned in vegetable oils. While there were only minor differences in the overall sensory parameters between treatments, the variation in salty flavor and fat-in-mouth feeling are crucial due to their significant impact on consumer acceptance. Therefore, using water as a medium is suggested as a favorable option for canning deep-skinned and smoked fillets from well-fed Atlantic mackerel.

Reports

Influence of seasonal variation and frozen storage temperature on the lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Published:

01/12/2016

Authors:

Paulina E. Romotowska, Magnea G. Karlsdóttir, María Gudjónsdóttir, Hörður G. Kristinsson, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund (R 040-12)

Influence of seasonal variation and frozen storage temperature on the lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

The effect of the storage temperature (-18 ° C vs. 25 ° C) and the fishing season (August vs. September) on the decomposition of fat in Atlantic mackerel caught off the coast of Iceland were examined in this project. Fat stability was assessed by measuring first-stage (PV) and second-degree evolution (TBARS), free fatty acids (FFA) and fatty acid composition. The results show a significant difference in fat degradation with long-term storage, as the degradation was significantly less when stored at -25 ° C compared to -18 ° C. In addition, fish were caught in September with a higher development value compared to fish from August. On the other hand, the most enzymatic fat breakdown was higher in August than in September. The results also indicated that the amount of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was fairly stable throughout the storage period. In other words, the results showed that the temperature in the cold store had a great effect on fat breakdown, but the stability depended on when the fish was caught.

Lipid deterioration of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) caught in Icelandic waters was studied, as affected by different frozen storage temperatures (-18 ° C vs. -25 ° C) and seasonal variation (August vs. September). The lipid stability was investigated by analyzes of hydroperoxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), free fatty acids, as well as changes in fatty acid composition. Results showed significant lipid deterioration with extended storage time, where the lower storage temperature showed significantly more protective effects. Furthermore, a higher lipid oxidation level was recorded for fish caught in September than in August, although lipid hydrolysis occurred to be greater for fish in August than in September. Moreover, results indicated a rather stable level of omega-3 fatty acid during the entire frozen storage period. The analysis indicated that both lipid oxidation and hydrolysis were affected by the frozen storage temperature and the stability differed with regards to season of catch.

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Reports

Effect of salt content in slurry ice on quality of fresh and thawed Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Published:

01/12/2015

Authors:

Paulina E. Romotowska, Björn Margeirsson, Gísli Kristjánsson, Sigurjón Arason, Magnea G. Karlsdóttir, Sæmundur Elíasson, Arnljótur B. Bergsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund (R 12 029-12)

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Effect of salt content in slurry ice on quality of fresh and thawed Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

The aim of the experiment was to improve methods of cooling and storage of fresh produce in order to improve the quality of frozen mackerel products. A comparison was made of cooling in conventional ice scrapers and salt-improved ice scrapers. By adding salt to the ice scraper, it was hoped that the temperature of fresh mackerel could be lowered and thus its quality maintained longer. The fresh mackerel was stored for up to seven days after fishing. Another aim of the study was to investigate whether this different cooling of fresh mackerel affects the deterioration of the quality of frozen mackerel products. The results showed that the temperature distribution in the pots was related to salt concentration as lower temperatures were obtained in pots with higher salt content (3.3%). On the other hand, the cold storage had a much greater effect on the quality factors such as the freshness and release of the mackerel products compared to the effect of pre-cooling, as the effect of different salt concentrations in the ice scraper was negligible in terms of these quality factors.

The present experiment is part of the research project - Increased value of mackerel through systematic chilling. The aim of this study was to improve methods of chilling and storing of fresh products in order to obtain better quality of frozen mackerel products. This project was carried out to develop slurry ice mixture with addition of extra salt, with the intention of temperature decrease during chill storage up to seven days after catch. Secondary objective of this research was to investigate if different chilling condition of fresh fish has an effect on the quality assignment of long-term frozen mackerel products. The results showed that temperature distribution in the tubs was correlated to the salt concentration where lower temperature was obtained in the tub with higher salt content (3.3%). Furthermore, freshness, gaping and peritoneum deterioration have been affected by the storage process but not by different salt concentration in slurry ice during chilled storage. Due to high quality variation within the same group of the mackerel is needed to conduct more methods for quality evaluation such as oxidation analysis and sensory analysis.

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Reports

Seasonal and geographical variation in chemical composition and lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) caught in Icelandic waters

Published:

01/12/2015

Authors:

Paulina E. Romotowska, Magnea G. Karlsdóttir, María Guðjónsdóttir, Sigurjón Arason, Hörður G. Kristinsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund (R 040-12)

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Seasonal and geographical variation in chemical composition and lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) caught in Icelandic waters

During the time that mackerel is off the coast of Iceland, it is eaten a lot, which causes it to gain weight quickly, with the result that the meat becomes very sensitive to handling. In this study, mackerel caught in the summer seasons of 2012 and 2013 (July, August, September) and from different fishing areas (east, northeast, south and southeast) were examined. In order to assess how well the raw material is suitable for processing high-quality products for human consumption, the mackerel was measured in terms of water and fat content, fatty acid composition, color, coloration and free fatty acids. In general, the mackerel collected in the summer of 2012 was of better quality than mackerel from 2013. The results also indicated a variability between fishing months in terms of fat content and the progress of development. Mackerel caught in the middle of the season had the lowest developmental value, indicating that this mackerel is best suited for processing high-quality products for human consumption.

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) appears in Icelandic waters during its heavy feeding period, resulting in variation in mackerel products quality. Fish caught at different season during the summers of 2012 and 2013 (July, August, September) and at different sites of the Icelandic fishing area (East, Northeast, South and Southeast) were analyzed. Measurements of lipid and water content, fatty acid composition, color changes, lipid hydroperoxide (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and free fatty acid (FFA) were studied with the aim of investigating whether this raw material was suitable for the production of high quality products for human consumption. In general, samples collected during the summer of 2012 showed a better condition than fish from 2013. The results indicated seasonal variation in lipid content and rancidity development. The lowest rancidity values were observed in the middle of the Icelandic catching season, indicating that this raw material was best suited for production of high quality products. Moreover, geographical variation of the mackerel catches had an impact on the saturation of the fatty acids, and appeared as follows: East> Southeast> Northeast> South.

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