We investigated the effect of NaCl on the physical characteristics and qualities of chicken breast surimi
prepared by acid (pH 2.5 and pH 3.0) and alkaline (pH 10.5 and pH 11.0) adjustments. Salt addition
resulted in increased (p < 0.05) yellowness, but decreased (p < 0.05) lightness and whiteness of surimi,
regardless of pH adjustment. Surimi prepared by alkali had the highest (p < 0.001) values of lightness
and whiteness. Textural properties except cohesiveness were higher (p < 0.05) in acid-prepared surimi
without salt, however, addition of salt caused higher (p < 0.05) springiness, gumminess or gel strength of
chicken surimi. Salt addition also caused an increase in the sensory properties. Furthermore, alkalitreated
(pH 10.5 or pH 11.0) surimi had higher (p < 0.001) values of all the sensory properties. Therefore,
the alkali treatment diminished gumminess and chewiness of texture property, while better color
(high lightness or whiteness), gel characteristics and sensory properties were obtained from salt-added
surimi. Especially the surimi at pH 10.5 and with salt was better one which had high values of whiteness,
springiness and sensory properties among the surimi.