A TMS-PRO texture analyzer (Food Technology Co., USA) was
used to evaluate the textural properties of surimi gels. For all determinations,
the gels were equilibrated at room temperature
(25 C) for 2 h before analysis, and then cut to 2.5 cm in length. A
spherical plunger (5 mm diameter, 60 mm/min depression speed)
was used in the texture analyzer to determine the breaking force
(force (g) required to break the gel) and the deformation (distance
(mm) traveled by the probe from the surface of the gel to the point
of breakage). Both the breaking force and deformation are reported
for the first force peak. The gel strength was calculated as the
product of the breaking force and deformation (g cm) (Lanier,
1992).