Changes in the physicochemical properties of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) fillets during storage in a high-voltage electrostatic field-refrigeration system

Abstract

The effects of a high-voltage electrostatic field-refrigeration (HVEsF) system on the freshness of olive flounder fillets were investigated by evaluating the changes in the physicochemical properties of the fillets for 7 days. After the olive flounders had been euthanized, the fillets were obtained immediately and stored under four different conditions: −1°C as a control (Con); −1°C HVEsF system set to 3,500 V (H35); −1°C HVEsF system set to 7,000 V (H70); and 4°C (R). During the whole storage period, slight decreases and increases in pH were repeatedly performed in all the groups, and bacterial growth was inhibited at −1°C. The formation of volatile base nitrogen, trimethylamine, and hypoxanthine was significantly lower in H70 than in Con for 7 days (p〈0.05). The cutting strength of H70 was maintained until day 3, while that of the other groups decreased drastically as the storage period increased. Overall, a −1°C HVEsF system set to 7,000 V maintained the freshness of the fillets in the initial stages of storage.