Different additives to enhance the gelation of surimi gel with reduced sodium content

• Pyrophosphate, cystine and lysine were studied as enhancers of low NaCl gels.
• Cystine and lysine were the most efficient additives of those tested.
• Cystine and lysine induced protein unfolding required to adequate network formation.
• Gels properties were improved with a setting period of 5 °C/24 h.

This study tested the effect of adding tetra-sodium pyrophosphate, cystine and lysine as surimi gelation enhancers (Alaska Pollock) in order to reduce the sodium content of gels up to 0.3%. These gels were compared with others that contained 3% NaCl content (the amount typically used for surimi processing). To induce protein gelation, gels were first heated and then set at 5 °C/24 h. Once the physicochemical and rheological properties of the gels were determined, cystine and lysine were found to be the most effective additives improving the characteristics of low NaCl surimi gels. The action of these additives is mainly based on the induction of myofibrillar protein unfolding thus facilitating the formation of the types of bonds needed to establish an appropriate network. It was found that a setting period was needed for gel processing to maximize the effect of the additives.