Variation in the Nutritional Composition of Soft and Hard Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus) Having Good Export Potential

Abstract

ABSTRACT The variation in the nutritional composition of hard and soft shell blue swimming crabs was examined. The protein content varied significantly in hard (13.64%) and soft shell BSC (9.34%). Sarcoplasmic proteins ranged from 43–45%, myofibrillar 25–30%, alkali soluble 24–25%, and acid soluble protein 2–6%. Magnesium and calcium were the major and iron and zinc were minor minerals. Hard shell crabs had more zinc (2.35 mg/100 g), while soft shell crabs contained more iron (1.98 mg/100 g). Saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated acids were 53.89%, 25.56%, and 9.72%, respectively, in hard shell crabs. In soft shell crabs, methionine was the major essential amino acid (8.49 mg/100 mg), while leucine was the major amino acid in hard shell crabs (8.72 mg/100 mg). The hard crabs contain more proteins, amino acids and fatty acids whereas soft crabs are rich in minerals and have similar protein fractions.