Abstract:The effects of four sterilization methods on the storage stability of instant sea cucumbers at room temperature were studied. The results show that, after sterilization at 110 ℃ for 10 min and 121 ℃ for 5 min, the body wall tissues of instant sea cucumbers exhibit better water-holding capacities, and the corresponding hardness values are 522.78 g and 470.22 g, respectively. After 15 days of storage, the mass-loss rates were 7.64% and 12.26%, respectively, while the moisture content was between 82.98% and 86.63%. Meanwhile, the pH is relatively stable, and the total viable counts were 505 CFU/g and 0 CFU/g, respectively. The volatile odor changed significantly during storage, and the characteristic volatile substances of instant sea cucumbers mainly consist of methyl compounds. In addition, no notable changes in microstructure were observed. After sterilization at 90 ℃ for 30 min, the hardness, chewiness, and elasticity of instant sea cucumbers were 685.90 g, 616.30 g and 0.93, respectively. The total viable count exceeded the acceptable limit on the 9th day of storage. After 15 days of storage, the mass-loss rate was 17.20%, while the collagen fiber structure of the body wall loosened. In addition, the pH decreases by 3.62%. After sterilization with water at 80 ℃ and 90 ℃ for 30 min, the volatile odor faded. On the 3rd day of storage, the body wall began to soften, and adhesiveness was detected. The instant sea cucumbers began to rot on the 6th day of storage. In the late stage of storage, the sulfide content increased, while the fiber structure was flakey and gelatin-like. After 15 days of storage, the hardness of the instant sea cucumbers sterilized with water at 80 ℃ and 90 ℃ decreased by 81.57% and 87.96%, respectively. At the same time, the adhesiveness increased to about -40 g.s. In conclusion, sterilization at 90 ℃ for 30 min, 110 ℃ for 10 min, and 121 ℃ for 5 min prolonged the room-temperature storage time of instant sea cucumbers to 6, 12, and 15 days, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for the storage and preservation technology of instant sea cucumbers at room temperature.