Based on the sensory evaluation, using the EC grading
scheme, the shelf-life of whole Mediterranean horse mackerel
and blue jack mackerel stored in ice was 10 and 7 days,
respectively. After that time of storage the Wsh had developed
spoilage characteristics, which were disliked by the
panel.
There was a high degree of agreement between sensory
results, Fishtester and Fishchecker measurements. Mediterranean
horse mackerel had higher electronic resistance
values and showed lower rate of decomposition using both
instruments.
The pH of Mediterranean horse mackerel muscle was
consistently lower than the pH of blue jack mackerel
muscle. The pH values of both species muscle increased
gradually with time and pH value equal to 7 had almost
coincided with the end of shelf-life.
Pseudomonas spp. and S. putrefaciens did not seem to play
any important role in the spoilage of both species. The longer
shelf-life of Mediterranean horse mackerel as determined by
sensory evaluation was not reXected in microbiological
results suggesting that the diVerence was due to lower rate of
autolysis rather than to reduced microbial activity.