Physicochemical Properties of Surimi Seafood as Affected by Electron Beam and Heat

Physicochemical changes of surimi seafood under electron beam (e‐beam) and heat were investigated. Heat caused color browning and texture softening. E‐beam (up to 4 kGy) deteriorated neither color nor texture when the sample temperatures were between 5 and 23°C. However, firmer texture was measured when samples were treated by e‐beam while frozen. None of the treatments changed rancidity of surimi seafood within the parameters tested. Heat, as compared with e‐beam, generated the same headspace volatiles, however, to a greater extent. E‐beam was determined to be an excellent pasteurization alternative for surimi seafood in terms of retention of fresh‐like physicochemical attributes.