Abstract
This study investigated the current processing degree and ingredients of sauce on the packaging of the commercial eel products made in Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan) and surveyedthe perception of nutritional functionality and purchasing pattern of Japanese consumers for the processed eels. The results are considered as a useful aid for preparation of processed eel products. The commercial eel products, purchased at a department store, supermarket and discount market, were divided by processing method, package quantity, storage method and sauce ingredients. The processing method was indicated in many different ways in each country, such as sauce ingredients and intake method. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 105 Japanese consumers (male 43, female 62) visiting Korea. Of the respondents, 44% answered and the major reasons for purchasing processed eel products were as a side dish for meals. The results for this factor were significantly different in relation to age (p <0.05). The degree of perceptions of functional excellence about processed eel products was well known (37%), some (49%), and seldom (14%). The results for this factor were significantly different in relation to age (p <0.001). Seventy-five percent of the respondents had experienced processed eel products. The type of purchase of the respondents was highest for vinegared rice and fish (47%), followed by freezing (33%), canning (5%), and dried food (4%), in that order.