Characterization of fillets of Amazon and real hybrid sorubins

Abstract

Background: Many fish hybrids (i.e., obtained by crossing two species) are produced rather than pure species because of their better growth rate and/or acceptance of formulated feed. However, few studies evaluate and compare their meats and acceptance, including, e.g., for the Amazon hybrid sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x Leiarius marmoratus) and the real hybrid sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans x L. marmoratus). Objective: Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of fillets from the Amazon and real hybrid sorubins. Method: Proximate composition, instrumental color, water holding capacity, cooking losses, and shear force were measured. Microbiological analyses of the fillets were carried out for Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus to ensure food safety during sensory analysis. Results: Fillets presented excellent quality, classified in category A (lipids below 5% and proteins between 15 and 20%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the evaluated fillets for several parameters: the average water holding capacities were 33.72 and 34.67%, the cooking losses were 14.93 and 13.41%, the shear forces were 2.21 and 1.74 kgf, and the luminosities were 49.61 and 45.04 for the fillets of Amazonian hybrid sorubim and real hybrid sorubim, respectively. Discussion: There was an evident relationship between water-holding capacities and shear forces. Amazonian hybrid sorubim fillets presented lower intensity of red. However, there was no sensory difference between the hybrids, and both had an acceptance rate above 80%. Conclusion: The hybridization does not alter the characteristics of the fish fillets.