Microstructure and physicochemical properties: effects of different pretreatment combined with dual‐frequency ultrasound on quality of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during cold storage

Abstract

SummaryThe quality changes of cold‐stored (4 °C) large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) were studied by using stable chlorine dioxide combined with dual‐frequency ultrasound assisted‐slightly acidic electrolysed water (CUSS). The results of microbial indicators demonstrated that CUSS treatment inhibited microbial growth. Moreover, CUSS treatment had lower values of pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and higher immobilised water content. CUSS treatment also inhibited the degradation of inosine monophosphate, suppressed the accumulation of hypoxanthine riboside and hypoxanthine. Through the results of texture profile analysis (TPA), protein degradation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), CUSS treatment could effectively protect the protein structure and maintain good texture characteristics of large yellow croaker. According to microbial indexes, K‐value, and sensory analysis, compared with dual‐frequency ultrasound treatment, CUSS treatment could prolong the shelf‐life of large yellow croaker for another six days. Therefore, CUSS treatment is a potential solution to preserve large yellow croaker, improving its protein characteristics.