Abstract:To investigate the effects of cultural region and specification on the quality characteristics of Trachinotus ovatus, samples from two regions (Zhanjiang and Haikou) and two size groups (300-400 g/tail and 500-600 g/tail) were selected. Quality indices including morphology, body color, nutritional composition, and flavor were analyzed. It was found that the b* values in the body (excluding the abdomen), total umami amino acids (large-size: 26.69 mg/100g; small-size: 25.72 mg/100g), and IMP contents (large-size: 247.85 mg/100g; small-size: 235.16 mg/100g) of Trachinotus ovatus from the Zhanjiang region were significantly higher than those from Haikou. Large-size muscles were found to have lower water content (Zhanjiang: 68.48%; Haikou: 71.69%), but higher fat (Zhanjiang: 9.96%; Haikou: 7.43%) and protein contents (Zhanjiang: 19.48%; Haikou: 18.57%). Significantly higher levels of bitterness, bitter aftertaste, HX and HxR were detected in small-size samples (Zhanjiang: 10.13 mg/100g; Haikou: 12.04 mg/100g) compared to large-size samples (Zhanjiang: 6.88 mg/100g; Haikou: 8.28 mg/100g). analysis of volatile flavor substances revealed that higher alcohol content was detected in large-size samples, while aldehyde compounds were found to be more abundant in small-size samples. In conclusion, it was found that the body color of Zhanjiang-farmed Trachinotus ovatus was more vivid, with more pronounced flavor characteristics. Higher nutritional value was observed in large-size specimens, while significant differences were detected in flavor profiles and volatile compounds among different size groups. This study is considered to provide theoretical guidance for subsequent quality control and aquaculture processing.
