The Effect of Prior Frozen Storage (-20°C) on the Quality of Oven-Baked Sardines (Sardina pilchardus)

The effect of frozen storage for 3, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days on the quality of sardines baked for 15, 30, and 45 min was studied. The combination of frozen storage with the baking time in linear reduction of yield and moisture led to less juicy products, as well as significant changes in proteins and lipids. A linear increase of C16:0 followed by a linear reduction of C22:6-3 was detected due to frozen storage, indicating lipid oxidation. This was also confirmed by the C22:6-3/C16:0 and C20:5-3/ C16:0 ratios, which were reduced by 36.8 and 32.7%, respectively. The fatty acid profiles of sardine samples were not significantly altered due to oven-baking. A gradual reduction of eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) of the baked products was observed mainly due to frozen storage. Cholesterol and squalene content increased with increasing the time of baking. A gradual decrease of cholesterol and squalene was observed due to frozen storage.