Quality evaluation and shelf-life prediction model establishment of frozen Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is one of the most popular aquatic foods in China and Southeast Asian countries. However, the available forms of this commodity such as live individuals and processed products do not fulfil consumer demand because their shelf life is short or do not retain their shape. Here, biochemical and sensory qualities of E. sinensis during storage at −20, −30, and −40 °C for 12 weeks were investigated. Sensitive indices and a shelf-life prediction model were established to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial frozen E. sinensis. Storage at −40 °C reduced the movement of water, oxidation of proteins and lipids, and formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the edible tissues of E. sinensis. The eating safety of frozen E. sinensis was evaluated using indices such as histamine and total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) content and total viable count (TVC) over 12 weeks. The safety indices and sensory evaluation predicted that the product shelf lives were 56, 59, and 78 d at −20, −30, and −40 °C, respectively. A shelf-life prediction model based on TVB-N content was developed by combining kinetic and Arrhenius equations and confirmed that frozen E. sinensis is feasible and has potential commercial value.