Textural and Histological Changes of Different Squid Mantle Muscle during Frozen Storage

Abstract

Mantles from three species of squids, Loligo edulis, Sepia pharaonis, and Illex argentinus, were frozen and stored at −20 °C for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 months, and their textural properties were investigated. The toughness of all squid mantles increased during frozen storage, and there was a significant difference between prefrozen and postfrozen storage. There was no significant difference in drip amount and SDS gel electrophoresis patterns after 4 months of frozen storage. Histology observation of mantle showed that the muscle fibers were injured and aggregated while the frozen time increased. These changes in tissue structure during frozen storage might cause the toughening of mantle. Keywords: Squid; frozen storage; freezing drip; electrophoresis; histological properties