Synergistic effects of ultrasound and soluble soybean polysaccharide on frozen surimi from grass carp

Ultrasound and water soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) were applied during the freezing of grass carp surimi. Ultrasound-assisted immersion freezing (UF) process was observed from 0 degrees C to -15 degrees C. Based on characteristic freezing time, tempering-stage freezing rate and the quality change of surimi after a 14-day storage period, the optimal sonication was performed 5 times at 300 W, for 10 s, with 40 s intervals. The cryoprotective effects of SSPS content on surimi myofibillar protein were subsequently investigated during 28-day frozen storage at 18 degrees C. The Ca2+-ATPase activity, total sulphydryl content, active sulphydryl content, salt extractable protein content, whiteness and water-holding capacity of frozen surimi were determined after adding SSPS (0%, 1%, 3% and 5%). The results showed that synergism of SSPS and UF occurred. Consequently 3% SSPS was best for mitigating the protein denaturation during processing.