Chilled Storage of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Fillets Coated with Plant Oil Incorporated Alginate Gels: Effect of Clove Leaf, Clove Bud, Rosemary and Thyme Oils

ABSTRACT

Essential oil incorporated alginate coating provides a novel way to improve the safety and shelf life of pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillet. Oils from the leaves and buds of clove, flowering tops of rosemary, and dried seeds of thyme were incorporated separately in alginate coating. All the plant oils showed antibacterial activity, but the zone of inhibition was relatively larger for thyme oil. Alginate coating was performed using sodium alginate (1.5%), glycerol (10%), and calcium chloride (2%) and plant oil at 1% (v/v). The coated fillets were stored under chilled conditions and samples were analyzed for bacteriological, chemical, sensory, color, and texture parameters. Psychrotrophic counts crossed 7 log cfu/g by the 13^th day and 15^th day of chilled storage in control and plant oil treated fillets, respectively. The peroxide value of treated fillets was relatively low. Texture profile analysis indicated that plant oil incorporated alginate coating reduced the rate of loss of texture (softening) during chilled storage. Plant essential oil incorporated alginate gels were relatively better compared to control fillets in preserving pangasius fillet quality during chilled storage, and incorporation of thyme oil was relatively better compared to clove leaf oil, clove bud oil, and rosemary oils.

KEYWORDS:

• pangasius
• alginate gel
• clove leaf oil
• clove bud oil
• rosemary oil
• thyme oil

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Ravishankar, C.N., Director, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, India, for the encouragement and guidance. Technical assistance rendered by P.H. Dhiju Das, P. Radha Krishna, M. Prasanna Kumar, G. Bhushanam S.N.Disri and P.P.N. Vijaykumar is gratefully acknowledged.