4. Conclusion
Fortification of surimi seafood with either dietary fibre or x-3-
rich oils alone or in combination improved rheological and textural
characteristics of surimi gels. The combined fortification had a synergistic
effect on the improvement of rheological properties. This
indicates greater gelation of surimi in the presence of fibre and
x-3 oil, suggesting their interaction with surimi myofibrillar proteins.
The improvement of rheological properties was reflected in
texture of surimi gels. The differential scanning calorimetry
showed that fibre and x-3 oil added to surimi alone or in combination
did not interfere with normal thermal denaturation of surimi
proteins. Colour properties were only slightly affected by the fortification.
These results are promising for future manufacturing of
surimi seafood with heart-health benefits, especially when considering
the popularity of functional/nutraceutical foods. Although results
are encouraging, sensory evaluation and assessment of
storage stability are recommended.