Ultrasound improves the low-sodium salt curing of sea bass: Insights into the effects of ultrasound on texture, microstructure, and flavor characteristics

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on the quality of cured sea bass. Compared to static marination, ultrasonication significantly increased the rate of NaCl transfer, reduced the hardness and chewiness of fish, and improved water retention. Microstructural observations revealed that the sea bass muscle fibers were severely fragmented, with their borders becoming increasingly blurred with increasing ultrasonic intensity. In addition, ultrasound-assisted marination significantly increased the degradation of proteins, total free amino acid levels, and relative levels of volatile flavor substances such as aldehydes and esters. Therefore, the use of an appropriate ultrasound treatment for the salt curing of fish has a positive effect on the textural and flavor characteristics of sea bass, with the most optimal approach being 300.W ultrasound treatment for 60 min. Overall, the results of this study provide technical evidence for improving the quality of lightly cured low-salt content seafood.