Optimum Sterilization Conditions and Quality Characteristics of the Retort-Sterilized Crab Analog

Abstract

This study developed a normal temperature-circulatable retort-sterilized crab analog (RSCA) with a long shelf-life by retort sterilization. We examined the optimum sterilization conditions and quality characteristics of the RSCA. A central composite design for response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to optimize of the retort sterilization. The central composite design consisted of 11 samples: four factorial points, four star points, and three central points. The sterilization temperature and F 0 -value for retort sterilization were the independent variables, and the shearing force, whiteness, and sensory score for texture were the dependent variable. The RSM analysis of the multiple response optimization for the RSCA using the Minitap statistical programing gave an F 0 -value of 3.3 min. at 117.5℃. The RSM analysis also indicated that the sterilization temperature during retort sterilization was the most influential factor, while the F 0 -value had little effect on the quality of the RSCA. The moisture, pH and volatile basic nitrogen contents of the RSCA product were 73.1%, 7.3 and 17.2 mg/100 g, respectively, and viable cells count was >18 CFU/g. And sensory quality characteristics of this RSCA was similar to those of a commercial crab analog.