QUALITY CHANGES AND STORAGE LIFE OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS-CARPIO) AT VARIOUS STORAGE TEMPERATURES

The shelf life and freshness changes in pond‐grown common carp (Cyprinus carpio L) during storage at 0–2°C, 5–6°C and room temperature (26–29°C) were investigated by sensory, microbiological, physical and chemical analyses. The effect of gutting on the shelf life during storage at 0–2°C was examined. Iodine/starch and potassium sorbate were examined for their effects on shelf life of whole fish stored at 0–2°C and 5–6°C. Sensory results indicated that the whole fish had a maximum shelf life of 24 to 25 days at 0– 2°C. The life of the fish to the point beyond which it would be unsuitable for sale (commercial shelf life) was 17 days at 0–2°C. Storage at 5–6°C shortened shelf life 2‐ to 2.5‐fold. At room temperature (26–29°C), spoilage was evident after 13 h. Gutting the carp shortened its storage potential at 0–2°C. Iodine treatment of this species stored at 0–2°C and at 5–6°C did not extend shelf life. The maximum shelf life of sorbate‐treated fish at 0–2°C and 5–6°C was extended by 1–2 days, commercial shelf life by 3–4 days. Total volatile basic nitrogen, pH and penetrometer analyses were not reliable indicators of changes in freshness during shelf life. Thiobarbituric acid values were not useful as rancid odours or flavours were not detected during storage. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd