Different types of dietary carotenoids improve the color and odor quality of Eriocheir sinensis ovaries

Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a commercially ecological crab species in China. Ovaries are one of the major edible parts for female E. sinensis, and their color and flavor primarily affect consumer acceptance. This study investigated the effects of different dietary carotenoids on the color and odor quality of adult female E. sinensis ovaries. The crab was fed the experiment diets with supplementation of 100 ×10⁻⁶ of β-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin, respectively, for 70 days, while the control diet without the supplementation of carotenoids. The results showed that different carotenoids generated an orange-red coloration on crab ovaries, and astaxanthin and canthaxanthin significantly increased the redness (P < 0.05). All carotenoid groups had higher total carotenoids and fatty acid contents than the control group. Moreover, β-carotene significantly promoted ovarian carotenoid deposition, and lutein predominantly affected fatty acid accumulation (P < 0.05). β-carotene and lutein groups accumulated more aroma components (alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes) by regulating the metabolism of carotenoid and fatty acids in ovaries. These results show that canthaxanthin is a potential astaxanthin substitute for promoting coloration, while β-carotene and lutein can improve the odor quality of the ovaries of adult female E. sinensis.