Popular Food Research Articles

Analyzing genomic variation in cultivated pumpkins and identification of candidate genes controlling seed traits.

Pumpkins are important vegetable crops widely grown worldwide, and seeds are considered a popular nutraceutical food and an excellent source of protein, oil, and vitamins. Seed size is one of the most important targets for commercial breeding in Cucurbita species; studies have shown that pumpkin seed size variation has a similar trend with fruit size, shape, and seed yield. However, few studies have been conducted to identify genetic loci controlling seed-related traits in cultivated pumpkins. This study analyzed the genomic characteristics of pumpkin breeding materials of 321 Cucurbita accessions collected worldwide, including Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita pepo, using extensive single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained from the genotyping-by-sequencing method, significant genetic variations were identified within and between Cucurbita species. Four major cultivar fruit types were further revealed in C. moschata species, and significant differentiation patterns were detected in several chromosomal regions. A total of 15 significant loci associated with pumpkin seed traits were mapped through a genome-wide association approach; 32 genes previously reported to be associated with seed size regulation in Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa were located in the intervals defined by linkage disequilibrium. Through this study, we gained a deep understanding of the genomic variation distribution across Cucurbita species. The available genetic resources and the associated genetic contents could be used in commercial pumpkin breeding and will facilitate molecular marker-assisted selection in pumpkin seed trait improvement.

Pengaruh Perlakuan Mulsa Jerami Padi dan Pupuk Organik Granul Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Benih Kacang Hijau (Vigna radiata L.)

Mung bean is a commodity that had high potential to be developed, because it had many advantages in terms of cultivated and is also one of the most popular food ingredients in the community. This study aims to increase the growth and production of mung bean seeds by treating the doses of granulated organic fertilizer and the weight of rice straw mulch. This research was conducted in Kraton Village, Kencong Subvillage, Jember Regancy on August-October 2022. The study used factorial completely randomized design (RBD) with two factor and three replications. The first factor are the dose of granular organic fertilizer (G) consisting of 5 tons/Ha (G1), 10 tons/Ha (G2), 15 tons/Ha (G3). The second factor are the weight of straw mulch consisting of (J1) 6 tons/Ha, (J2) 9 tons/Ha, (J3) 12 tons/Ha. The data will be analyzed used ANOVA then follow up with DMRT test 5% level. The results showed that the gradulated organic fertilizer doses give the significant effect for on parameters productive branches. Treatment of rice straw mulch weight had no significant effect on all observed parameters. The interaction of granulated organic fertilizer doses and rice straw mulch weight had a highly significant effect on the parameters of plant height at 28 DAP, the number of productive branches, total of pods each plant, and had a significantly different effect on the parameter total of seeds each plant.

Pertumbuhan Kacang Hijau (Vigna radiata L.) Melalui Aplikasi Biochar Pada Berbagai C-Organik Tanah

Green beans are one of the most popular food crops in Indonesia, many problems have resulted in a decrease in mung bean production so that efforts are needed to improve the growth and production of mung bean plants, one of which is by improving soil fertility through the addition of organic matter, namely the use of biochar and organic fertilizer goat manure. The purpose of this study was to analyze the optimal dose in the interaction of biochar and organic matter levels for the growth of mung bean plants. This research was conducted at JL. Kaliurang, Karangrejo village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency from January to March 2023. The experiment used a Split Plot based on Group Random Design (RAK) consisting of two factors, the first factor was Organic matter (BO) with a level of 0%, 3%, 4% and the second factor was biochar with doses of 5 tons / ha, 10 tons / ha, 15 tons / ha and 20 tons / ha and each treatment was repeated 3 times. The results showed that the application of biochar 20 tons / ha most affected the parameters of plant height 42 HST of 49.38 cm and leaf length with a maximum average of 14.01 cm. In general, the addition of 3% organic matter and the application of biochar of 15 tons/ha and 20 tons/ha became the highest values for all parameter.

The non-nutritive sweetener sucralose increases β-arrestin signaling at the constitutively active orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR52.

Non-nutritive sweeteners are popular food additives owing to their low caloric density and powerful sweetness relative to natural sugars. Their lack of metabolism contributes to evidence proclaiming their safety, yet several studies contradict this, demonstrating that sweeteners activate sweet taste G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and elicit deleterious metabolic functions through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesize that activation of GPCRs, particularly orphan receptors due to their abundance in metabolically active tissues, contributes to the biological activity of sweeteners. We quantified the response of 64 orphans to the sweeteners saccharin and sucralose using a high-throughput β-arrestin-2 recruitment assay (PRESTO-Tango). GPR52 was the sole receptor that significantly responded to a mixture of sucralose and saccharin. Subsequent experiments revealed sucralose as the activating sweetener. Activation of GPR52 was concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 0.23mmol/L and an Emax of 3.43±0.24 fold change at 4mmol/L. GPR52 constitutively activates CRE pathways; however, we show that sucralose-induced activation of GPR52 does not further activate this pathway. Identification of this novel sucralose-GPCR interaction supports the notion that sucralose elicits off-target signaling through the activation of GPR52, calling into question sucralose's assumed lack of bioactivity.

SEX RATIO AND BIOMETRIC INDICES OF PAMA CROAKER, OTOLITHOIDES PAMA (HAMILTON, 1822) FROM THE BAY OF BENGAL, SOUTH-WEST BANGLADESH

The Pama croaker, Otolithoides pama is a prominent marine species under Sciaenidae family. This Sciaenid fish is a popular table food and a perceptible protein source for Bangladeshi rural people. Our research highlights a comprehensive description of the biometric indices of O. pama sampled from the Bay of Bengal, south-west Bangladesh, together with sex ratio, length-frequency distribution, growth pattern, form factor, Fulton’s condition and prey-predator status. Overall 252 specimens (male = 171 and female = 81) were sampled by gill net during 2022 on seasonal basis (summer, rainy and winter). Length and weight of the sampled fish were assessed with measuring board and digital balance. While the sex ratio (male: female = 1.00:0.47) deviated from the conventional ratio of 1:1, total length varied from 13.0 to 26.7 cm for pooled data. Both sexes revealed negative allometric growth (b < 3.00) pattern as a whole. Form factor (a3.0) was found 0.0074 which stated that the fish possessed a fusiform body shape. The mean Fulton’s condition factor denoted an indecorous state of health. Alternatively, prey-predator status was found quite suitable for O. pama population. The outcomes of our research would be highly effective for executing sound management policy in the marine water of Bangladesh.

Development of a pasta recipe using vegetable powders

In almost all countries of the world, there is a rapid development of areas related to the production of products of increased nutritional value. Pasta is one of the most popular food products and is included in the list of everyday products that are in great demand among the population, in this regard, there is an excellent opportunity to reduce the lack of vitamins in a large part of the population by adding non-traditional raw materials to pasta. The authors set a goal to investigate the effect of vegetable powders on the quality indicators of pasta, for which an original recipe for pasta with the addition of carrot powder was developed. The enterprise JSC "Kostanay flour mill" was chosen as the base for the study. Determination of organoleptic quality indicators of pasta was carried out according to generally accepted methods, on a five-point scale. Physical and chemical indicators were determined according to the method set forth in the regulatory and technical documentation; two qualitative indicators were taken as a basis: the mass fraction of moisture and acidity. Thus, a recipe for a new type of pasta enriched with vegetable powder was developed and the quality indicators of the finished product were evaluated

Phytochemicals Screening and Anti-proliferative Activities of Anacardium occidentale Shoot Extract in Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: Anacardium occidentale or cashew are popular traditional food and have raised research interest for complementary cancer treatment. Cancer has become leading cause of death and treatment involved severe side effects. In present study, we aim to study the anti-proliferative effects of cashew shoots in breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), colorectal cancer (HT-29) and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. Methods: Cell lines were treated with 70% ethanolic cashew extract for cytotoxicity test with MTT assay. AO/PI dual fluorescent assay and RNase/PI staining were used to determine apoptosis induction effects. Phytochemicals screening was carried out by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Results: The cytotoxicity assay of cashew shoot extract demonstrated IC50 of 81.1 ± 0.11 μg/ml for MDA-MB-231, 307.5 ± 2.31 μg/ml for HT-29 and 272.6 ± 1.91 μg/ml for HepG2 cell lines. The apoptotic bodies include chromatin condensation, cell blebbing and nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis induction were shown by AO/PI staining. There was significant increase of cell count in sub-G0 phase in MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with cashew shoot extract. It was demonstrated that cashew shoot extract contained 38 compounds from GCMS such as sitosterol, tannin, pyrogallol, phenol and 20 compounds from LCMS such as citric acid, gallic acid, myricetin and hinokiflavone that may give rise to its anti-cancer effect. Conclusion: Cashew shoot extract demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties thus further study is required to investigate its mechanism as anti-cancer agent.

Radiation processing of papad – A sustainable method to improve safety and shelf life

Papad is a popular traditional Indian snack food that is also consumed as an accompaniment to meals. The papad industry in India is predominantly a cottage industry, mainly run by women. Due to microbial contamination and infestation, papad has a shelf life of only a few months. However, increased domestic consumption and export requirements necessitate a longer shelf life. Chemical preservatives are generally added to increase shelf life. Our studies have shown that radiation processing (2 kGy) can be used to extend the shelf life. Unirradiated samples spoiled in three months with visible fungal growth and insect infestation. Irradiated (2 kGy) papad had a shelf life of one year, was sensorily acceptable, showed no microbial counts, and hence has great export potential.

Impact of pictorial warning labels on meat meal selection: A randomised experimental study with UK meat consumers

Meat consumption has been linked to adverse health consequences, worsening climate change, and the risk of pandemics. Meat is however a popular food product and dissuading people from consuming meat has proven difficult. Outside the realm of meat consumption, previous research has shown that pictorial warning labels are effective at curbing tobacco smoking and reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol. The present research extends this work to hypothetical meat meal selection, using an online decision-making task to test whether people’s meal choices can be influenced by pictorial warning labels focused on the health, climate, or pandemic risks associated with consuming meat. Setting quotas for age and gender to approximate a UK nationally representative sample, a total of n = 1001 adult meat consumers (aged 18+) were randomised into one of four experimental groups: health pictorial warning label, climate pictorial warning label, pandemic pictorial warning label, or control (no warning label present). All warning labels reduced the proportion of meat meals selected significantly compared to the control group, with reductions ranging from −7.4% to −10%. There were no statistically significant differences in meat meal selection between the different types of warning labels. We discuss implications for future research, policy, and practice.

Consumer dining duration and spending: The role of emotional labour practice in the restaurant industry

This paper centres on examining the link between emotional labour and dinning duration within the restaurant industry. In this study emotional labour practice was modelled as one of the crucial predictors of dining duration. This study adopted a multiple case study using a cross sectional design approach. The target population was 480 dyads encounters in 6 of the most popular fast food restaurant chains in Harare. Some 214 seat-in customers were the unit of analysis while wait staff were the unit of observation. In terms of responses, 200 responses were attained and were deemed sufficient for meaningful Structural Equation Modelling. The quantitative approach employed a self-completed structured questionnaire in collecting data. A structural equation modelling was run to test the direct effects, a multi-group structural equation modelling was run to test the moderating effects of categorical variables, and a moderated multiple regression was run to test the moderation effects of the latent variables. The study revealed various factors that influence the connection between emotional labour and dinning duration such as the gender factor of the people involved, the rate and strength of the interaction between restaurant employees and the clients. The outcome directed that emotional labour is positively associated with consumer dining duration. The consumer dining duration is in turn associated with consumer expenditures within the restaurant. However, all the hypothesised moderators had no statistically significant effect. The study recommended the use of emotional labour as one of the predictors for increased revenue in the restaurant industry through increased consumer spending as mediated by the dining duration under the scenario of excess capacity and limited demand. 

High-quality genome assemblies for two Australimusa bananas (Musa spp.) and insights into regulatory mechanisms of superior fiber properties

Bananas (Musa spp.) are monocotyledonous plants with high genetic diversity in the Musaceae family that are cultivated mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. The fruits are a popular food, and the plants themselves have diverse uses. Four genetic groups (genomes) are thought to have contributed to current banana cultivars: Musa acuminata (A genome), Musa balbisiana (B genome), Musa schizocarpa (S genome), and species of the Australimusa section (T genome). However, the T genome has not been effectively explored. Here, we present the high-quality TT genomes of two representative accessions, Abaca (Musa textilis), with high-quality natural fiber, and Utafun (Musa troglodytarum, Fe’i group), with abundant β-carotene. Both the Abaca and Utafun assemblies comprise 10 pseudochromosomes, and their total genome sizes are 613 Mb and 619 Mb, respectively. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the larger size of the T genome is likely attributable to rapid expansion and slow removal of transposons. Compared with those of Musa AA or BB accessions or sisal (Agava sisalana), Abaca fibers exhibit superior mechanical properties, mainly because of their thicker cell walls with a higher content of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Expression of MusaCesA cellulose synthesis genes peaks earlier in Abaca than in AA or BB accessions during plant development, potentially leading to earlier cellulose accumulation during secondary cell wall formation. The Abaca-specific expressed gene MusaMYB26, which is directly regulated by MusaMYB61, may be an important regulator that promotes precocious expression of secondary cell wall MusaCesAs. Furthermore, MusaWRKY2 and MusaNAC68, which appear to be involved in regulating expression of MusaLAC and MusaCAD, may at least partially explain the high accumulation of lignin in Abaca. This work contributes to a better understanding of banana domestication and the diverse genetic resources in the Musaceae family, thus providing resources for Musa genetic improvement.

Konsentrasi pencemar timbal (Pb) pada sayur lalapan di pasar tradisional dan supermarket di Kota Yogyakarta

Lalapan is a popular food consumed. The increase in population, industrial activities, transportation, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to lead (Pb) pollution in the environment, contaminating vegetables that are to be consumed and posing health risks. Therefore, research was conducted regarding the analysis of Pb pollutant concentrations in lettuce, basil and cucumber sold in traditional markets and supermarkets in the city of Yogyakarta. Samples were extracted using 65% HNO3 and 37% HCl, and then the concentration of Pb in the samples was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The research results showed that all types of vegetables sold in traditional markets and supermarkets have been contaminated with Pb with concentrations ranging from 0.418 to 1.575 mg/kg, with the highest Pb concentration was found in basil with an average of 1.5156 mg/kg. The average concentrations of Pb in lalapan sold in traditional markets and supermarkets, when compared to the quality standard set by SNI regulation (2009) for cucumber sold in supermarkets N, are still below the safe limit of 0.5 mg/kg for , while the rest have exceeded the quality standard limit. There are significant differences in the concentration of Pb pollutants in vegetables sold in markets and supermarkets, as well as based on sales location, type of vegetable, and vegetable source. The consumption pattern of vegetables ranges from 62-97 g/day and poses health risks as the RQ value is greater than 1. Additionally, it has the potential to cause cancer because ECR > E-4.

A bibliometric analysis of understanding absorbent food for the development of sustainable packaging

Absorbent packaging is a form of food packaging designed to absorb excess liquid and moisture that may be present in food products. This article provides a bibliometric analysis of the literature on food-absorbent packaging. The analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, and 121 documents were selected for the study. According to the study’s findings, the number of publications on food absorbent packaging has grown over time. As productive countries, the majority of the investigations were undertaken in China, the United States, and Brazil. The study also revealed that the most popular absorbent food packaging research topics are developing new materials, optimizing packaging performance, and evaluating the effectiveness of absorbent packaging in preserving food quality. In addition, a number of emerging research topics were identified, such as the application of nanotechnology to absorbent packaging and the development of biodegradable absorbent materials. This bibliometric analysis sheds light on the current state of absorbent food packaging research and identifies potential areas for future study. Researchers, food industry professionals, and policymakers can use the findings of this study to develop and implement more effective and environmentally favorable food packaging solutions.

Revolutionizing goat milk gels: A central composite design approach for synthesizing ascorbic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles fortified smart gels

Goat milk gels (GMGs) are popular food due to their high water content, low-calorie density, appealing taste, texture enhancers, stability, and satiety-enhancing characteristics, making them ideal for achieving food security and zero hunger. The GMGs were optimized using the central composite design matrix of response surface methodology using goat milk powder (35–55 g), whole milk powder (10–25 g), and potato powder (10–15 g) as independent variables. In contrast, complex modulus, flow stress, and forward extrudability were chosen as dependent variables. The maximum value of complex modulus 33670.9 N, good flow stress 7863.6 N, and good extrudability 65.32 N was achieved under optimal conditions. The optimized goat milk gel was fortified with ascorbic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticle (magnetic nature) decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (AA-MNP@CANPs), making it nutritionally rich in an economically feasible way—the decorated AA-MNP@CANPs characterized for size, shape, crystallinity, surface charge, and optical characteristics. Finally, the optimized fortified smart GMGs were further characterized via Scanning electron microscopy, Rheology, Texture profile analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The fortified smart GMGs carry more nutritional diversity, targeted iron delivery, and the fundamental sustainability development goal of food security.

The Health-Promoting Properties of Seaweeds: Clinical Evidence based on <i>Wakame</i> and <i>Kombu</i>

In this review, the botany, uses, bioactive metabolites, and health-promoting benefits of Undaria pinnatifida (wakame) and Saccharina japonica (kombu) are highlighted. Their clinical evidence is focused on clinical studies conducted in Japan and in other countries. These two species are brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta). In Japan, wakame and kombu seaweeds are popular food items consumed almost daily. Laboratory evidence shows that carotenoids (fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol), polysaccharides (fucoidan) and sterols (fucosterol) are bioactive metabolites in wakame and kombu. Wakame displays antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiviral, anticoagulant, antiosteoporotic, hepatoprotective, and antiobesity properties. Kombu possesses anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antiobesity, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerosis, renal protective, vascular protective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, gut biota regulatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and neuroprotective activities. Clinical evidence on the effects of wakame intake was based on eight studies in Japan and eight studies in other countries. Clinical evidence on the effects of kombu intake was based on five studies in Japan. One case study on kombu dealt with severe alopecia areata. Some areas for future research on wakame and kombu are suggested. Information and data used in this review were from databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, J-Stage, PubChem, China Academic Journals, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

COMPARISON OF MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TURKISH TRADITIONAL RAW MEATBALLS IN WINTER AND SUMMER

Raw meatball (çiğ köfte) is a popular food consumed fondly in Türkiye. The lack of being cooked and the constant hand contact during production and sale increase the risk of product contamination. This can cause food poisoning and pose a danger to public health. This study aims to determine the microbiological quality of raw meatballs sold in Çorum, Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 40 samples were studied in winter (n = 20) and summer (n = 20) months. Samples were analyzed for pH, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast-mold, E. coli, coliform, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus/Micrococcus. The pH value of raw meatball samples was 4.64-5.35 in the winter, and in summer, it was determined as 4.65–5.09. The total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast-mold, coliform, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus/Micrococcus count results of samples in summer and winter periods were determined respectively as

MYCOFLORA OF FERMENTED LOCUST BEANS (Parkia biglobosa) SEED, “IRU” SOLD IN LOKOJA MARKETS, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Fermented locust beans are a popular nutritious food seasoning that are prone to microbial contamination due to unhygienic handling and improper storage. This research aimed to evaluate the mycological quality of locust beans sold in Lokoja markets, Kogi State, Nigeria. Thirty (30) samples of locust beans were collected from five different markets in Lokoja, analyzed for inherent fungi which were identified using standard mycological techniques. The results indicated variations in the mean fungal loads across the sampled markets. Old market had the highest mean fungal load (4.33 × 105 CFU/g), followed by Adankolo market (3.67 × 105 CFU/g) and Kpata market (3.0 × 105 CFU/g) while Lokongoma market had the lowest mean fungal load (2.0 × 105 CFU/g). The mean fungal load of the fermented locust beans from Old market was significantly different (p>0.05). A total of 55 fungal isolates that include: Aspergillus niger (29.1 %), Rhizopus arrhizus (25.5 %), Fusarium cladosporium (18.2 %), Fusarium cummunis (12.7 %), Aspergillus nudilans (9.1%), Aspergillus tamari (7.3 %) and Aspergillus terreus (1.8%) were obtained from the samples. Aspergillus niger, F. communis, F. clamadosporium and R. arrhizus were present in all the sampled markets, suggesting they are the predominant fermenter of locust beans. The presence of mycotoxigenic fungi in the locust beans seeds poses a significant public health risk. Therefore, it is important to ensure that locust beans are processed and stored under hygienic conditions at all times to safeguard consumer health.

Combining bran-enrichment with sugar replacement in biscuits enables the flexible use of a sustainable and fibre-rich by-product

Fibre-rich by-products like wheat bran are a sustainable source of health promoting components. However, substantial enrichment in bran of popular and convenient food like biscuits negatively impacts dough rheology and baked product properties. In this study, we suggest that alterations in dough rheology and biscuit properties resulting from bran enrichment can be compensated for by steering the properties of the water-sugar mixture as obtained by concomitant sugar replacement. In particular, the plasticizing properties of the water-sugar mixtures and the hygroscopicity of the sugar mixture were used as quantitative parameters in combination with the ratio between bran and flour. These three parameters were varied independently and tested against dough rheology (amplitude sweep tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) and biscuit properties. The results indicated that the three parameters could well describe all the relevant physical properties related to dough rheology after mixing and during heating and to biscuit properties. The increase in dough elastic behavior induced by bran addition could be compensated for by reducing the plasticizing and hygroscopic properties of the sugar (replacers) mixture. Increased mechanical strength and reduced biscuit spread of bran enriched biscuits could be compensated in a similar manner. Overall, the formulation strategy presented in this study suggests the possibility to decouple texture from nutritional composition of bakery products like biscuits, allowing a more flexible use of fibre-rich and nutrient-dense by-products like bran.

Towards Food Image Retrieval via Generalization-Oriented Sampling and Loss Function Design

Food computing has increasingly received widespread attention in the multimedia field. As a basic task of food computing, food image retrieval has wide applications, that is, food image retrieval can help users to find the desired food from a large number of food images. Besides, the retrieved information can be applied to establish a richer database for the subsequent food content-related recommendation. Food image retrieval aims to achieve better performance on novel categories. Thus, it is worth studying to transfer the embedding ability from the training set to the unseen test set, that is, the generalization of the model. Food is influenced by various factors, such as culture and geography, leading to great differences between domains, such as Asian food and western food. Therefore, it is challenging to study the generalization of the model in food image retrieval. In this article, we improve the classical metric learning framework and propose a generalization-oriented sampling strategy, which boosts the generalization of the model by maximizing the intra-class distance from a proportion of positive pairs to avoid the excessive distance compression in the embedding space. Considering that the existing optimization process is in an opposite direction to our proposed sampling strategy, we further propose an adaptive gradient assignment policy named gradient-adaptive optimization , which can alleviate the intra-class distance compression during optimization by assigning different gradients to different samples. Extensive evaluation on three popular food image datasets demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also experiment on three popular general datasets to prove that solving the problem from the generalization can also improve the performance of general image retrieval. Code is available at https://github.com/Jiajun-ISIA/Generalization-oriented-Sampling-and-Loss .

Impact of Overwintering Hoard on the Edible Tissues, Muscle Quality, Hepatopancreas Color, and Proximate Biochemical and Amino Acid Compositions of Male Eriocheir sinensis

The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a popular food and an important breeding crab in China. In order to pursue higher sales prices and improve breeding efficiency, many farmers often hoard these crabs, until around the Spring Festival or even later, before selling them. Therefore, considering the time span of hoarding, the present study was designed to check the quality (edible tissues, muscle quality, hepatopancreas color, proximate biochemical and amino acid compositions) of E. sinensis, before and after overwintering hoard. The hepatosomatic index before hoarding in winter was higher than that of after hoarding in winter, but the gonadosomatic index, meat yield, total edible yield, and condition factor were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) lower after hoarding in winter. The texture profile analysis (TPA) of muscle, the springiness, chewiness, and cohesiveness after hoarding in winter were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher than those before hoarding in winter. The redness and yellowness of the hepatopancreas before hoarding in winter were lower than those after hoarding in winter. No significant difference ( p < 0.05 ) was found in moisture, crude protein, and crude lipid in hepatopancreas, gonad, and muscle tissues of male E. sinensis. The contents of all amino acids (except methionine and histidine) in hepatopancreas, gonad, and muscle before hoarding in winter were higher than after hoarding, but there was no significant difference ( p < 0.05 ) in hepatopancreas and gonad. While, in the muscle, the contents such as threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, and arginine, before hoarding in winter, were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher than after hoarding. This study showed that, for the male E. sinensis after overwintering hoard, the edible tissues and muscle quality increased, and, moreover, the hepatopancreas color and proximate biochemical and amino acid compositions of hepatopancreas and gonad have no significant changes, but the content of many good amino acids, ΣNEAA and ΣDAA, in muscle all decreased.