Effect of active edible starched-based coating containing garlic and lemon peel essential oils on the characteristics of Barred mackerel (Scomberomorus commerrson) fillet

This study aims to evaluate the effect of active edible starch-based coating containing garlic and lemon peel essential oils with 0, 1, 2 and 3% levels as biopreservative to maintain the microbial quality of Barred mackerel (Scomberomorus commerrson) fillet during 12 days at 4 ºC. The relative influence of active starch coating on pH, peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), color parameters (L*, a and b), microbial characteristics (total viable count, psychrophilic bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens and E. coli O157: H7) and sensory properties were assessed. Results revealed that using the starch-based coating containing essential oils led to the reduction of both pH changes and L* index, and the increase of b, PV and TBA indices. However, the treated samples with a higher levels of essential oils had less color changes during the storage time. The results of oxidative stability analysis showed that by increasing the level of essential oils and storage time, the PV and TBA indices decreased and increased, respectively. The tested microbial indices in all samples also increased during storage time. Moreover, by increasing the concentation of essential oils and storage time, the growth of microorganisms diminished and increased, respectively. Based on the sensory evaluation, using the high levels of essential oils increased the sensory properties. In conclusion, utilization of 3% garlic essential oil as biopreservative in the structure of active edible starch-based coating resulted in desirable physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties in Barred mackerel fillets.