abstract
The combined effects of freezing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (100% N2 and 50% N2 + 50%
CO2) on some quality characteristics of Giant Red Shrimp (GRS) (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) was studied
during 12-month storage. In particular, the quality characteristics determined proximal and gas compositions,
melanosis scores, pH, total volatile basic-nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) as well as
free amino acid (FAA). In addition, the emergent data were compared to those subject to vacuum packaging
as well as conventional preservative method of sulphite treatment (SUL). Most determined qualities
exhibited quantitative differences with storage. By comparisons, while pH and TVB-N statistically
varied between treatments (P < 0.05) and TBA that ranged between 0.15 and 0.30 mg MDA/kg appeared
least at end of storage for 100% N2 treated-group, the latter having decreased melanosis scores showed
such treatments with high promise to keep the colour of GRS sample hence, potential replacement for
SUL group. By comparisons also, while some individual FAA values showed increases especially at the
100% N2-treated group, the total FAAs statistically differed with storage (P < 0.05). The combination of
freezing and MAP treatments as preservative treatment method shows high promise to influence some
quality characteristics of GRS samples of this study.