Effect of material temperatures on quality of fish vermicelli, a noodle-shaped surimi product

The study investigated the effect of material temperatures (15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C) on the quality of fish vermicelli (FV) in terms of morphological, cooking, textural, microstructural, and water distribution properties. Results showed that as the material temperatures increased, the surface smoothness, cooking characteristics, and textural properties of FV significantly increased, followed by a decrease. Especially, when the material temperatures were 25°C and 30°C, the FV samples exhibited denser and more continuous gel networks with more embedded starch particles, resulting in decreased cooking loss and improved tensile strength. However, at material temperatures above 35°C, the continuity of the protein phase was disrupted by overswelling starch granules, leading to the worst cooking characteristics and textural properties. Especially at material temperatures of 40°C, the water holding capacity, hardness, and springiness of FV decreased by 25.59%, 73.48%, and 47.98%, respectively, compared to the samples at 25°C. Additionally, the cooking loss increased by 91.40%. In conclusion, the critical material temperature for the quality deterioration of FV was 35°C, and it was recommended to produce FV below this temperature.