Abstract: Frozen storage is a widely used method for the preservation of surimi products. However, protein denaturation may occur during frozen storage. Protein conformation change can result in changes in its physico-chemical and gel properties such as a reduction of salt-soluble protein content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, sulfhydryl group content, breaking force, deformation capability and water-holding capacity as well as an increase of hydrophobicity and disulfide bond content of surimi gels. The addition of cryoprotectants can mitigate protein frozen denaturation. Here, we review recent research progress in the mechanisms of protein denaturation during frozen storage and the effects of several cryoprotectants on physico-chemical and gel properties of frozen surimi.

Key words: surimi protein, frozen denaturation, cryoprotectant, physico-chemical properties, gel properties