Effects of Bicarbonate, Xanthan Gum, and Preparation Methods on Biochemical, Physicochemical, and Gel Properties of Nile Tilapia (Oreochomis niloticusLinn) Mince

This study was aimed to determine the effects of phosphate compound substitutions (sodium bicarbonate and xanthan gum) and preparation methods—headed, gutted whole fish, and mince; fresh and after frozen storage (−20°C for 3 months)—on Nile tilapia mince qualities. Results showed that bicarbonate (0.3% with 8% sucrose/sorbitol) is an efficient phosphate compound replacement as evidenced by the comparative values of salt extractable protein, Ca2+-ATPase activity, total sulfhydryl content, and textural properties to those of the phosphate-added—0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) with 8% sucrose-sorbitol—sample after 3-month frozen storage (p > 0.05). Both cryoprotected samples containing STPP or bicarbonate exhibited higher denaturation temperatures of myosin than others. Xanthan gum (0.5%) could neither stabilize the biochemical and physicochemical properties of mince during 3-month frozen storage nor improve textural properties of gel from frozen whole fish.