Quality Evaluation of Fish Powder Developed from Labeo bata, a Minor Carp of Assam

Background: Assam being a riverine state is home to n4umerous fish species that has been relished on for generations. However, fish being a perishable item, they need to be preserved for their availability throughout the year and to minimise wastage. The fish Labeo bata is a freshwater medium sized Indian minor carp which is very popular among the locals because of its characteristic taste and their high health ameliorating effects. Therefore, considering these facts, the present study focused on preparation and quality evaluation of fish powder from a minor carp, Labeo bata. Methods: Fresh fish collected from local fish market of Raha, Nagaon, Assam were dressed, washed and dehydrated to prepare fish powder. The prepared fish powder was evaluated for their nutritional composition, functional properties, sensory properties and shelf life as per standard protocols. Result: The results indicated that the moisture, protein, fat and ash content of prepared fish powder was 4.52, 63.87, 13.04 and 2.96 g/100 g respectively. The prepared flour had superior functional characteristics with bulk density, water absorption capacity, fat absorption capacity and foaming capacity of 0.53 g/ml, 145.00 ml/00 g, 99.00 ml/100 g and 32.20 per cent respectively. The product also displayed good shelf life when evaluated in terms of changed in moisture, free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), total plate count (TPC) and pH across storage for a period of 90 days. The change in moisture, FFA, PV, TPC and pH content varied from 4.52-5.40 g/100 g; 0.08-0.22 per cent; 1.00-4.11 mEq O2/Kg; 3.12-4.23 log cfu/g and 6.22-6.80 respectively.