Incorporation and stabilization of omega-3 fatty acids in surimi made from cod, Gadus morhua

Surimi containing omega-3 fatty acids from algal oil was prepared by the addition of oil-in-water emulsions or bulk oil. Emulsion and bulk oil were added separately to surimi to provide approximately 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving of surimi (85 g). Addition of the emulsion had no effect on surimi gel strength, whereas bulk oil decreased gel strength an average of 31%. All surimi treatments containing algal oil increased in Hunter b values due to the presence of carotenoids in the oil. Among cryoprotectants, sodium tripolyphosphate was the major surimi additive responsible for retarding the formation of lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Lipid hydroperoxide and TBARS formation was lower in surimi containing bulk oil compared to surimi with emulsified oil. Both EDTA and lipid soluble antioxidants were able to decrease lipid oxidation in surimi fortified with omega-3 fatty acids. This suggests that surimi containing nutritionally beneficial omega-3 fatty acids could be developed with good oxidative stability and gel strength.