Image Analysis of Surimi Sol and Gel in Composite System

Surimi sol and gel were prepared by mixing egg albumin, starch, oil and carrageenan, which are used as representative ingredients in the surimi composite, at different ratio. Structural properties in surimi composite were investigated by examining the phase changes and dispersion pattern (average particle size, size range and the averge number of particle) of the particulate ingredients in sol and gel with an image analyzer. A staining technique of the specimen containing egg albumin in surimi gel was developed by adjusting pH of a toluidine staining solution. Image analysis revealed that size and density of ingredient particles were function of the level and dispersion of ingredients except of starch-incorporated surimi gel which showed maximum particle size at 6%.