Effects of thinned young apple polyphenols on the quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) surimi during cold storage

•YAP delayed the lipid oxidation and colour changes of GCS during cold storage.•Chlorogenic acid was the primary component that showed the preservative effects.•YAP delayed the degradation of SMP and protected its functional properties.•YAP protected the gel properties of GCS and extended its sensory shelf life.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of young apple polyphenols (YAP) on the quality of grass cap surimi (GCS) during storage at 4 °C. The addition of YAP into GCS was found to be effective in delaying lipid oxidation, soluble myofibrillar protein (SMP) degradation and changes of L∗, a∗ and b∗ values of GCS. Chlorogenic acid was screened to be the primary component showing preservative effects. YAP was shown to protect the functional properties of SMP during cold storage, retarding both the decrease in emulsifying activity and stability, and the increase in surface hydrophobicity of SMP. Additionally, the loss of gel strength and texture of GCS with YAP were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of GCS without YAP during cold storage. Therefore, YAP may be developed as a natural antioxidant to maintain the quality and to extend the shelf life of freshwater fish surimi.