Assessment of shelf-life of maricultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) stored in ice

Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) were stored in melting ice (0 degrees C) for a period of 24 days from the time of harvest with sensory assessments of the whole raw fish and of the cooked fish flesh conducted at regular intervals. The ungutted fish was given an EC freshness grade E for up to 3 days, grade A for a further 7 days, and grade B for 4 more days after which it was graded as C (unfit). The sensory score for flavour of the cooked fillets decreased linearly with period of storage: fresh characteristic flavours were present for 2-4 days, decreasing to a relatively bland flavour after 10-12 days. Off flavours were evident by 13-15 days storage and by 18-19 days the flesh was unpalatable. With the possible exception of hypoxanthine, none of the chemicals investigated was particularly useful as an indicator of change. Changes in pH, trimethylamine and total volatile bases during the first half of the edible storage life were insignificant. Deterioration of flesh lipids, assessed by free fatty acid content and thiobarbituric acid value, appeared to present no serious problem during shelf-life. Proximate composition and sensory attributes, appropriate for routine inspection of gilthead sea bream were also determined.