The use of herbs and spices in fish preservation at chilled temperature storage: opportunities and challenges

Summary Fish can justify a healthy human diet. Spoilage is caused due to microbial degradation and oxidative rancidity. Herbs and spices (H&S) are common ingredients in fish marination to improve quality and appeal to consumers globally. The given review delves into the potential of H&S to extend the freshness of fish while also addressing challenges in maximising their effectiveness for preservation and proposing innovative solutions. H&S with antimicrobial (AM) and antioxidative (AO) effects reduce biogenic amine (BA) formation by inhibiting the decarboxylation of free amino acids through microbial reduction and retarding lipid oxidation of free fatty acids by countering free radicals. Combining organoleptically standardised H&S with diverse microbial hurdle techniques supports extensive domestic utilisation, extending the shelf life of fish significantly compared to using them alone. The present findings recommend that H&S can maintain fish quality for 6–20 days, depending on the fish species, packaging, and AO/AM potential in refrigeration conditions. Thyme, garlic, ginger, stevia, turmeric, laurel, sage, cinnamon, cumin, mint, and rosemary are found to be the most potent preservatives that could be utilised commercially to increase fish's shelf life. Variations in H&S extracts and fish muscle composition pose challenges in optimising the effectiveness of bioactive compounds in fish preservation. Innovative approaches for utilising H&S essential oils (EOs) and advanced delivery techniques offer solutions to these challenges, leading to improved fish quality and limited shelf life.