Effect of different thawing methods on the quality of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) fillets

The effects of hydrostatic thawing (HT), flowing water thawing (FT), ultrasonic thawing (UT), microwave thawing (MT), and microwave-combined ultrasonic thawing (MUT) on the quality of yellowtail fillets were investigated via thawing time, physicochemical quality, water retention, microstructure and water migration distribution. The results showed that MUT had a shorter thawing time, second only to microwave thawing (MT) and significantly shorter than other thawing methods. Moreover, MUT could retain a better performance of the samples, such as colour, texture, water retention and moisture distribution, and prevent damage to the microstructure. In addition, freshness analysis showed that pH, total volatile saline nitrogen and K values were optimal for MUT. Therefore, MUT could be a viable thawing method that increases the thawing rate of yellowtail fillets while maintaining their quality characteristics.