Analysis of the chemical properties of salted cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Aquaculture of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is still incipient in Brazil, as well as the sale of its meat. However, there is a market demand for this product in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The salting process for the meat of cultivated cobia is a way of preserving and marketing the product for the growers. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the chemical properties of salted cobia meat. Market-sized cobia grown in net-tanks located in Baia de Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were used. The fish were eviscerated (gutted), beheaded and lightly flattened. The fillets "charutos" were then subjected to brine salting for 6 days, immersed in saturated brine at refrigeration temperature. After the preparation of the product, analyzes of percent composition, chloride content and lipid profile were performed. The product had high concentrations of protein (20.16%), lipids (19.88%) and 6.56% of total chloride. Lipid profile assessment showed significant percentages of palmitic (6.66%) and oleic (4.99%) acids. Therefore, it is concluded that the salted meat of cobia has good nutritional quality, and the product is a source of palmitic and oleic acids that help preventing cardiovascular diseases and lowering cholesterol levels.