A comparative study on the flavour of wild Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) along the eastern coast of China

Abstract

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is widely distributed along the eastern coast of China and is considered one of the most economically important crabs in China. Evaluating its taste substances can help to develop new varieties of Eriocheir sinensis with distinctive flavours to meet the diversified needs of the market. In the current research work, we compared the meat yield and flavour of wild adult male Eriocheir sinensis muscle from five rivers. The results showed that crabs from the Min River had the highest meat yield (32.94 ± 2.93%). The electronic tongue showed that the taste profiles of Min River and Ou River crabs were similar. The Min River crabs had the highest total amino acid content of 1404.01 ± 2.83 mg/100 g, of which sweet amino acids accounted for 64.9%, the highest 5′-inosine phosphate of 14.49 ± 2.11 mg/100 g, and the highest equivalent umami concentration (3.82 gMSG/100 g). Taste activity value analysis showed that crabs in Min River, Ou River, and Yangtze River were more influenced by alanine, arginine, and 5′-guanosine phosphate. Overall, wild male Eriocheir sinensis from Min River enriched the flavour substance, making it a potentially valuable resource for the Eriocheir sinensis industry.