Comparison of Atlantic menhaden gels from surimi processed by acid or alkaline solubilization

Heat-induced gelling abilities of surimis prepared by pH shifting (isoelectric precipitation following acid (AC) or alkaline (AL) solubilization) were compared to that of conventionally washed (CW) surimi. Greater endogenous transglutaminase activity (evidenced as enhanced strength of cooked gels subjected to 30–40 °C preincubation) was measured for CW and AL surimi than for AC surimi (all at pH 7). Upon addition of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), increased crosslinking of myosin heavy chain and gel strengthening during 30–40 °C preincubation were apparent for all three types of surimi, most markedly in CW and AL surimi. Salt addition improved CW gels most, but seemed to adversely affect MTGase activity in AC and AL surimi. AC and AL surimi gels were of lower whiteness than were CW surimi gels.