Scientists find simple fix for fishy taste that costs food industry millions
Researchers have identified cheap, food-safe additives that can eliminate the muddy flavor plaguing freshwater fish—a major quality problem for aquaculture and seafood processors. The discovery could help producers meet consumer expectations without expensive equipment or processing overhauls.
Originaltitel: New strategies for mitigating undesirable odors connected to geosmin and 2-MIB in minced fish muscle: a model system approach
Freshwater fish species commonly suffer from muddy odor problems linked to geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB). This study examined whether the release of geosmin and 2-MIB from spiked fish muscle could be reduced by adding poly-/oligosaccharides (pectin, carrageenan, alginate, cyclodextrins (CD)) or organic acids (ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, citric acid, tannic acid), as well as 5 and 10% (dw/dw) of biomasses rich in some of these molecules (apple/lingonberry press-cakes (APC, LPC) and red seaweed (Palmaria palmata)). All pure molecules were added at 0.18, 0.35 and 0.70% (w/w) based on ADI levels set by EFSA. Results showed alginate, carrageenan, β- and γ-CD significantly decreased geosmin and 2-MIB release by up to 90%, while pectin did not. All organic acids reduced geosmin release, while isoascorbic and citric acid prevented release of geosmin and 2-MIB; effects accompanied by pH reductions. 2-MIB release was also significantly reduced by APC and LPC. Molecular docking confirmed the experimental data that carrageenan prevented release better than alginate; and that geosmin bound to polysaccharides better than 2-MIB. This study concludes organic acids, alginate, carrageenan and CDs can be used within safe limits to prevent geosmin and 2-MIB release in fish muscle. New routes to mitigate muddy off-odor in commuted freshwater fish products were revealed, some stimulating upcycling of plant side streams leaving the food chain despite nutritional and technological functions.