Instrumental Texture Parameters as Freshness Indicators in Five Farmed Brazilian Freshwater Fish Species

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical quality and instrumental texture parameters, as well as their relationships, of five Brazilian freshwater fish species stored at 4 °C for 6 days. In general, ammonia, TCA-soluble peptides, and biogenic amine values increased with storage time, attributed to the advance of the deterioration process. Ammonia and TCA-soluble peptide concentrations correlated positively with the increase of putrescine, spermine, and histamine. Putrescine production began during the first days of storage, while cadaverine was produced later. Spermine and spermidine showed variable behavior, increasing and decreasing, respectively. With regard to the instrumental texture parameters, firmness, hardness, and chewiness decreased at the beginning of the storage period, whereas an increase was observed in springiness. All instrumental texture parameters demonstrated high correlations with ammonia and TCA-soluble peptides. The increase in certain biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, and spermine) seems to correlate well with decreases observed in firmness, hardness, and chewiness. In addition, a strong relationship was observed between the initial days of storage and instrumental texture parameters, while a significant correlation between the end of the storage and the chemical quality analyses was verified. Firmness, hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness were considered parameters with high potential in the evaluation of fish freshness during the first days of storage, whereas the chemical quality analyses and springiness were considered important for later evaluation of fish quality. Therefore, instrumental texture parameters may be used as quality indicators in the evaluation of freshwater fish freshness.