Effect of ultrasound-assisted freezing combined with potassium alginate on the quality attributes and myofibril structure of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)

This research evaluated the effects of ultrasound-assisted freezing (UAF) at different power (160 W, 175 W, 190 W) combined with potassium alginate (PA, as the water-retaining agents) on the physicochemical quality, water-holding capacity (WHC), moisture migration and distribution, and myofibril structure of large yellow croaker. UAF-175 with PA as the freezing medium retained a better performance, such as color, texture, WHC, and water distribution. The pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were the most desirable under the PA-UAF-175 treatment, as well as the flavor of the samples. In addition, it maintained the stability of myofibrils and reduced myofibril denaturation. Therefore, PA-UAF-175 treatment could be a possible freezing method as it maintained the quality properties and revealed better myofibril characteristics of large yellow croaker.