Assessment of Added Protein/Starch on the Functional Properties of Surimi Gels Manufactured from Atlantic Whiting

ABSTRACT: The functional properties (hardness, cohesiveness, color, and whiteness) of 5 food ingredients (2 whey protein concentrates [WPC 45 and WPC 76], whey protein isolate [WPI], egg white [EW], and potato starch [PS]) added to surimi gels were evaluated using 2 different thermal regimes. Hardness and cohesiveness of whiting surimi gels prepared using a rapid cook treatment (90°C for 15 min) did not significantly change on the addition of test ingredients. Hardness and cohesiveness of whiting surimi with added ingredients prepared using a suwari set treatment (0° to 4 °C for 12 h followed by 90°C for 15 min) were increased ( P < 0.05) on addition of additives with the exception of WPC 76, which decreased ( P < 0.05) surimi hardness and cohesiveness. Results showed that starch was more effective in improving the functional properties of surimi when compared with all other protein additives assessed.