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Does vacuum packaging retain the quality of hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) during long-term frozen storage?
1 , 1 , 1 , 2 , 1 , 2 , * 1 , 3
1  Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
2  Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur, Bangladesh
3  Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur-3602, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods_2020-07621 (registering DOI)
Abstract:

The long-term frozen storage deteriorates the quality of hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha), which is famous for its delicious taste and flavors. Vacuum packaging may retain the flavor and quality of hilsa fish. To this end, biochemical and microbiological analyses were used to assess the quality of hilsa fishes under whole & not sealed pack, whole & vacuum pack, dressed & not sealed pack, and dressed & vacuum pack at a monthly interval during nine months of storage at -18°C. There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in the values of pH, free fatty acids (FFA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), and aerobic plate count (APC) among the treatments, and the values remained within the acceptable limit in the storage period. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (p< 0.05) lower in samples under vacuum (whole & dressed) compared to unsealed pack. TBARS values did not cross the acceptable limit for vacuum pack samples in nearly the entire storage period but exceeded for unsealed pack samples within the first month. It is assumed that the vacuum packaging reduced the secondary oxidation of fatty fish like hilsa during the frozen storage, which can ensure a year-round supply of quality hilsa fish without altering the distinctive taste and flavor.

Keywords: hilsa fish; quality; vacuum packaging; rancid odor
Comments on this paper
Marlene Cran
Vacuum packaging for long term frozen fish storage
Dear Authors,
Thank you for your excellent presentation. Your study clearly shows that vacuum packaging can control lipid oxidation in the fish for extended periods. It was great to see that your study was a true long-term test and the results are very promising. This could also be established for other similar produce and would reduce food waste. A very well executed study.
Md. Monjurul Hasan
Dear Marlene
Thank you very much for your evaluation and nice comments.

S. M. Omar Faruque Babu
omar
Dear Authors,
The presentation was excellent and a different one. You proved that vacuum packaging can control lipid oxidation in the fish for extended periods in your study.
Md. Monjurul Hasan
Dear Omar
Thank you very much for your comments.
Md Tariqul Islam
Thank you for your comments. Yes, this simple vacuum packaging along with frozen storage could give us freedom to have the delicious taste of this national fish of Bangladesh throughout the year. Even it can be used in our household level.



 
 
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