Surimi is a concentrated fish myofibrillar protein mixed with
cryoprotectants. Surimi is commercially prepared by washing
deboned fish mince with water to remove blood, lipids, enzymes,
and sarcoplasmic proteins (Suzuki, 1981, pp. 31e34; Vilhelmsson,
1997). Surimi is used as a main and functional ingredient in numerous seafood-flavored products such as crab-flavored seafood,
seafood salads, and the like. During manufacturing of these products
salt is required to extract myofibrillar proteins and consequently
develop desired texture upon cooking. Salt also lowers
water activity, and therefore, suppresses growth of foodborne
pathogens. Surimi-based seafood products contain 1e3 g/100 g of
salt. Recent trends indicate that many consumers are interested in
reducing their dietary sodium intake. Thus, the development of
low-sodium surimi-based seafood products will allow processors
diversification of their offerings by targeting this market.