Effects of pH and NaCl on Gel Strength of Pacific Whiting Surimi

Abstract

The effects of varying concentrations of salt and pH on the gel strength of Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) surimi were investigated. Surimi gels were made with and without the protease inhibitor beef plasma protein (BPP). Gel strength was measured by torsion and reported as shear stress and shear strain. In general, surimi gels increased in gel strength with increased pH. Stress increased to a greater degree than strain about pH 7. Water holding capacity values increased up to pH7 and than leveled off. Surimi gels made with low salt (0.9%) or not salt had greater stress values that the higher salt surimi gels in the alkaline pH range. The results demonstrated that the effects of salt and pH are interactive on gels strength for Pacific whiting surimi