Functionality of chitosan in batter formulations for coating of fish sticks: Effect on physicochemical quality.

Chitosan is a natural polymer having diverse applications in food industry. The present study was undertaken to evaluate chitosan as a hydrocolloid in batter composition in developing enrobed fish sticks with better functional properties and improved quality. Different concentrations of chitosan gel were made in acetic acid medium and incorporated into batter for making enrobed fish sticks. Coating parameters, fat uptake, oil reduction, chemical quality parameters, instrumental texture analysis and colour were studied. Addition of chitosan gel had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the coating pickup, adhesion degree and cooking yield of the product. Total volatile basic nitrogen, pH, lipid oxidation parameters like peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of par-fried fish sticks also showed significant differences. The oil reduction in par-fried samples were 36.84, 65.05, 73.83, 77.65% respectively for 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0% chitosan added samples. Addition of chitosan significantly reduced crispness, gumminess, Warner-Bratzler shear force and toughness (P<0.05) of the product. The study clearly demonstrated that the inclusion of chitosan at 1.0% in batter can improve functional and other quality aspects of enrobed products.

Effect of fish oil encapsulates incorporation on the physico-chemical and sensory properties of cookies.

A great deal of attention has been focused on the various health benefits apparently associated with consumption of fish oil. The incorporation of fish oils in food products is becoming increasingly widespread and a large variety of products is being marketed. However, the use of fish oil as functional nutritional ingredients in foods has been limited by its oxidative susceptibility. In the present study, attempts were made to develop fish oil fortified cookies as healthy snack foods by incorporating fish oil microencapsulate. Microencapsulation of fish oil was done by spray drying. Commercially available milk was used to form micro sized complexes with fish oil. Fish gelatin/maltodextrin were used as a wall material for encapsulation. Fish oil was added in three forms (fish oil as such, fish oil-in-water emulsion and fish oil microencapsulate) for the preparation of cookies. Cookies prepared without incorporating fish oil was served as control. The physical, chemical and sensory attributes of cookies were evaluated. Encapsulation significantly (P < 0.05) decreased lipid oxidation in the cookies. The sensory evaluation of cookies showed significant (P < 0.05) difference in the overall acceptability. Results from this study, demonstrated the possibility of fish oil incorporation into cookies through emulsification and microencapsulation which may increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids for nutritional benefits.

Quality of ready to serve tilapia fish curry with PUFA in retortable pouches.

UNLABELLED: Studies on the physical, chemical, and microbiological qualities of fresh tilapia meat revealed its suitability for the preparation of ready to eat fish curry packed in retort pouches. Studies on the fatty acid profile of tilapia meat suggest fortification with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) to increase the nutritional value. Based on the commercial sterility, sensory evaluation, color, and texture profile analysis F(0) value of 6.94 and cook value of 107.24, with a total process time of 50.24 min at 116 °C was satisfactory for the development of tilapia fish curry in retort pouches. Thermally processed ready to eat south Indian type tilapia fish curry fortified with PUFA was developed and its keeping quality studied at ambient temperature. During storage, a slight increase in the fat content of fish meat was observed, with no significant change in the contents of moisture, protein, and ash. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of fish curry significantly increased during storage. Fish curry fortified with 1% cod liver oil and fish curry without fortification (control) did not show any significant difference in the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during thermal processing and storage. Sensory analysis revealed that fortification of fish curry with cod liver oil had no impact on the quality. Tilapia fish curry processed at 116 °C and F(0) value of 7.0 (with or without fortification of cod liver oil) was fit for consumption, even after a period of 1-y storage in retort pouch. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Tilapia is a lean variety of fish with white flesh and therefore an ideal choice as raw material for the development of ready to serve fish products such as fish curry in retort pouches for both domestic and international markets. Ready to eat thermal processed (116 °C and F(0) value of 7.0) south Indian type tilapia fish curry enriched with PUFA and packed in retort pouch was acceptable for consumption even after a storage period of 1 y at ambient temperature.