Comparison of Stunning Methods on the Physicochemical Properties of Frozen Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fillets

ABSTRACT

This study compares how CO₂ narcosis and thermal shock affect the physicochemical aspects of Nile tilapia fillets held frozen (−18°C) for up to 6 months. The characteristics of tilapia fillets subjected to CO₂ narcosis were those of higher lightness and whiteness and lower redness. The hardness values of fillets of tilapia subjected to thermal shock were lower than those subjected to CO₂ narcosis. During frozen storage to both treatments, the drip loss, denaturation of myosin, and lipid oxidation increased, while fillet water holding capacity and hardness decreased. The physicochemical properties of frozen fillets of tilapia stunned by CO₂ narcosis were considered more desirable; therefore, the method can be a potential replacement to thermal shock.

KEYWORDS:

• Oreochromis niloticus
• stunning
• stability
• freezing
• fish fillet quality

Funding

The authors would like to thank CNPq for funding the project and CAPES/PNPD for granting of the scholarship to the first author.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank CNPq for funding the project and CAPES/PNPD for granting of the scholarship to the first author.