kind of microbial-induced softening was observed in the control
sample but was inhibited by the essential oil treatments. In fact,
some essential oils and several of their individual components
exhibit antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens in vitro
and to a lesser extent in foods. Reyhan & Mihriban (2009) found
that the addition of clove, thyme or cumin essential oil was effective
in reducing the microorganism proliferation in apple-carrot
juice, as the potential bio-preservatives capable of controlling
food spoilage organisms. These results showed beneficial effects of
these essential oils, especially the spearmint essential oil, on
increasing the shelf life of red drum fillets, since it has been
assumed that flesh softening and texture changes during storage
determine fillets storability and shelf life, as well as reduced the
incidence of deterioration and less susceptibility to the oxidative
rancidity