Biochemical quality assessment of commercially available dried fishes of Gujarat

Abstract

Biochemical quality of dry fish samples of Eel, Croaker, Gold spotted anchovy, Bombay duck , Greater lizard fish, Ribbon fish, Horse Mackerel and Cat fish traditionally sun dried were collected from Veraval fish market, Gujarat during March to June, 2016. The biochemical quality parameter such as thiobarbituric acid , tri-methyl amine, total volatile base nitrogen, free fatty acid , pH and moisture content were analysed as indices of spoilage. The pH and moisture content of the samples were ranged from 5.49 to 6.92 and 9.47 to 31.92 per cent , respectively. The TBA values of the dry fish samples varied between 1.68 to 25.94 mg per malonaldehyde and all the samples had more than 2 mg of TBA number except for Greater lizard fish. The TMA values were found high in all the dried fish samples except cat fish. The TVBN values of the samples varied between 25.89 to 128.34 mg 100 per gram whereas greater than 100 mg per cent were found in Gold spotted anchovy, Bombay duck, Greater lizard fish and Mackerel. The per cent FFA values among the dry fish samples were ranged between 0.46 to 13.58 per cent. The study shows that the biochemical quality of the dry fish samples prepared under traditional sun drying condition were in good quality at the initial period of processing but good packaging and storage condition should be maintained till reach the consumers as well to maintain the shelf life of the dry fish.