Moisture sorption isotherms and shelf life prediction for whole dried sandfish (Holothuria scabra)

Issue Date

8-2017

Abstract

The sea cucumber commonly known as sandfish (Holothuria scabra) is a high-value species that is often sourced from artisanal fishers in the Philippines. The traditional drying process involves a combination of smoking and sun-drying until a moisture content of 8%-10% is reached. However, dried sea cucumber, including sandfish, is often poorly dried; resulting in spoilage and mold growth during storage. To establish conditions for proper storage of dried sandfish, this study aims to develop moisture sorption isotherms (MSI) at 30°C, 45°C and 60°C at ten levels of water activity (aw) using an isopiestic method based on saturated salt solutions. Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) data were fitted with six mathematical models by non-linear regression analysis. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of low-density polyethylene (PE) and oriented polypropylene (OPP) packaging film was also measured at 30°C and 35°C and a mass-balance model was used to predict shelf life and EMC during storage based on MSI and WVTR data. MSI of H. scabra followed a Type III curve, which was best fitted to a Peleg model. The best range of moisture content for storage was 0.12-0.18 g·g-1 dry matter which corresponded to aw of 0.4-0.6. Predicted shelf life for PE and OPP film packs at 30°C were 114 and 372 days, respectively; at 35°C, the estimated shelf life decreased to 83 and 141 days, respectively.

Source or Periodical Title

Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal

Volume

19

Issue

2

Page

176-186

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Drying, Equilibrium moisture content, Moisture sorption isotherms, Sandfish, Shelf life, Water activity

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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