Several naturally occurring essential oils were evaluated for their effectiveness in maintaining postmortem
quality and extending shelf life of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Fresh fish fillets were
treated with 4 ml/L clove, cumin and spearmint oils at 10 C for 2 h and the hardness, pH value, K-value,
TCA-soluble peptides, sensory evaluation, biogenic amines and microbiological characteristics determined.
The results showed that the fillets treated with spearmint oil significantly maintained tissue
hardness when compared to the control. Moreover, spearmint essential oil treatment significantly
delayed protein degradation and nucleotide breakdown. The essential oil treatment also inhibited the
microbiological properties throughout the storage periods. All the treatments were effective in retarding
fish sensory deterioration, exhibited a positive effect, causing low biogenic amines content, especially
histamine, putrescine, cadaverine. These results indicate that essential oil treatment might be a potential
application for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of the red drum