Gel properties of sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) surimi as affected by selected washing process and number of washing cycles.

Abstract

The gel properties of sutchi catfish surimi prepared by conventional washing and alkaline-saline washing method were studied for four washing cycles. Decrease (p < 0.05) in myoglobin content was found in alkaline washing process compared to conventional washing at each washing cycle. The highest hardness, breaking force and deformation was observed in gels prepared from alkaline-saline washing method. Whiteness in conventional washed surimi gels increased non-significantly (p < 0.05) compared to alkaline-saline-washed surimi gels. Protein bands on Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the protein extractability was more in alkaline-saline washing and disappearance of bands in conventional washing method was observed between 116 and 45 kDa indicating less yield of protein.