Surimi of fish species from the Gulf of Mexico:: evaluation of the setting phenomenon

Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus), Mexican flounder (Cyclopsetta chittendeni) and Northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) are warm water species abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, usually obtained as shrimp by-catch. Gels from these species were obtained by several treatments: (1) setting at 25 degreesC/3 h followed by cooking at 90 degreesC/15 min; (2) setting at 40 degreesC/30 min and 90 degreesC/15 min; (3) 90 degreesC/15 min (control). Three different additives were studied: 0.66% ammonium chloride, 0.2% EDTA and 0.2% calcium chloride. The setting phenomenon was induced at 40 degreesC in the three species. 0.2% calcium chloride improved shear stress and shear strain in surimi gels from Atlantic croaker and Northern kingfish. 87.98 and 98.49 kPa for shear stress, and 2.23 and 2.15 for shear strain were achieved, respectively. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.