Aroma
compounds in three surimi samples, made from freshwater silver
carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
and saltwater Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) and Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), were characterized by aroma extract dilution analysis, odor activity
value, and odor recombination study. Results demonstrated that the
most potent aroma-active compounds in the surimi were hexanal, (Z)-4-heptenal, (Z)-4-decenal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal, (E,Z,Z)-2,4,7-tridecatrienal, and (E)-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, contributing fishy, green,
oily, or metallic odors. The other aroma contributors in surimi were
1-octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide,
and methional. 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline, giving a typical popcorn note,
could also be an important aroma contributor as a result of the high
flavor dilution factor. Pacific whiting and Alaska pollock surimi
samples both had higher levels of dimethyl trisulfide and methional,
whereas the silver carp surimi sample had more (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal. In general, the silver carp
surimi sample had more aldehydes contributing stronger “river
water, fishy” and “grassy, green” aromas. In
contrast, saltwater surimi showed stronger “sea breeze-like”
and “sulfur-like” odors.