Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels

Surimi-based products are nutritionally valuable due to their essential amino acid composition, their content of high-quality proteins with excellent digestibility, and their low fat content. However, to achieve the desired texture, a significant amount of salt (1–3%) must be added, which could comp...

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Main Authors: Noman Walayat, María Blanch, Helena M. Moreno
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Gels
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/2/142
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author Noman Walayat
María Blanch
Helena M. Moreno
author_facet Noman Walayat
María Blanch
Helena M. Moreno
author_sort Noman Walayat
collection DOAJ
description Surimi-based products are nutritionally valuable due to their essential amino acid composition, their content of high-quality proteins with excellent digestibility, and their low fat content. However, to achieve the desired texture, a significant amount of salt (1–3%) must be added, which could compromise their health benefits. This study provides an overview of surimi production, the gelation mechanism of myosin, and the most relevant gelation enhancers that could be used in manufacturing low-salt surimi-based products. Reducing the salt content in surimi-based products presents a significant challenge for the industry, not only from technological and sensory perspectives but also in response to the growing demand of consumers for healthier food options. So, this manuscript highlights several strategies for achieving optimal quality characteristics in relation to functional properties for the surimi products industry. In addition, surimi as a raw material is often misunderstood by consumers, who may question its nutritional value and, consequently, its consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly explain the processing of this raw material and emphasize the importance of proper myofibrillar protein gelation to develop high-value surimi-based products.
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spelling doaj-art-8dba7c40f47645bf9ca97dd0f9d333592025-08-20T03:12:14ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612025-02-0111214210.3390/gels11020142Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of GelsNoman Walayat0María Blanch1Helena M. Moreno2College of Tea Science and Tea Culture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, ChinaDepartment Section of Galenic Pharmacy and Food Technology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, SpainDepartment Section of Galenic Pharmacy and Food Technology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, SpainSurimi-based products are nutritionally valuable due to their essential amino acid composition, their content of high-quality proteins with excellent digestibility, and their low fat content. However, to achieve the desired texture, a significant amount of salt (1–3%) must be added, which could compromise their health benefits. This study provides an overview of surimi production, the gelation mechanism of myosin, and the most relevant gelation enhancers that could be used in manufacturing low-salt surimi-based products. Reducing the salt content in surimi-based products presents a significant challenge for the industry, not only from technological and sensory perspectives but also in response to the growing demand of consumers for healthier food options. So, this manuscript highlights several strategies for achieving optimal quality characteristics in relation to functional properties for the surimi products industry. In addition, surimi as a raw material is often misunderstood by consumers, who may question its nutritional value and, consequently, its consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly explain the processing of this raw material and emphasize the importance of proper myofibrillar protein gelation to develop high-value surimi-based products.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/2/142surimilow saltgelation challengesphysicochemical propertiestechnological additives
spellingShingle Noman Walayat
María Blanch
Helena M. Moreno
Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
Gels
surimi
low salt
gelation challenges
physicochemical properties
technological additives
title Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
title_full Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
title_fullStr Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
title_full_unstemmed Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
title_short Surimi and Low-Salt Surimi Gelation: Key Components to Enhance the Physicochemical Properties of Gels
title_sort surimi and low salt surimi gelation key components to enhance the physicochemical properties of gels
topic surimi
low salt
gelation challenges
physicochemical properties
technological additives
url https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/2/142
work_keys_str_mv AT nomanwalayat surimiandlowsaltsurimigelationkeycomponentstoenhancethephysicochemicalpropertiesofgels
AT mariablanch surimiandlowsaltsurimigelationkeycomponentstoenhancethephysicochemicalpropertiesofgels
AT helenammoreno surimiandlowsaltsurimigelationkeycomponentstoenhancethephysicochemicalpropertiesofgels