Optimization of hydrostatic pressure processing to extending shelf-life with minimal quality changes of refrigerated abalone

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of pressure level, holding time, and storage period on the physicochemical properties of chilled abalone. Pressure level and storage period had a significant effect on the qualities of abalone, while the impact of holding time was negligible compared to those of pressure level and storage period. Pressurization at 400- 500 MPa had the potential advantage to extend shelf-life of abalone to more than 15 days, while quality modifications were noticeably identified. Moderate pressurization (< 200 MPa) had no effect on the shelf-life of abalone. The optimal processing condition was 200- 300 MPa at which the shelf-life of abalone could be extended to around 10 days with minimizing quality modification. Although, the mechanisms involved in shelf life extension and quality modification of pressurized abalone were not fully understood, the present study demonstrated the potential application of high pressure in the abalone industry.