Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of various sous-vide time–temperature regimes and their interactions on quality parameters of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) during chilled storage. The mackerel fillets were exposed to sous-vide treatment at 60, 75, and 90°C for 10, 15, and 20 min and further stored for 1, 3, and 7 days at 4 ± 1°C before analysis. Changes in pH, water content and cook loss, amount of water- and salt-soluble proteins, texture, and color parameters, as well as accumulation of lipid oxidation products in sous-vide-cooked mackerel were assessed. Sous-vide cooking time and temperature had the lowest contribution to the formation of primary and secondary products of lipid oxidation, as well as increase in yellowness of the fish flesh due to their accumulation; whereas duration of chilled storage led to a significant increase in oxidation and yellowness (p < 0.05). Duration of chilled storage also affected structural and textural properties of the fish muscle, leading to a decreased cook loss. At the same time, sous-vide cooking decreased the firmness of the fish muscle. Duration of chilled storage was found to have the highest significant effect (p < 0.001) on all physicochemical characteristics of sous-vide-cooked mackerel.