Fish Freshness Meter (Torrymeter) compared with selected methods of assessing freshness quality and storage life of Gilthead Sea Bream

Title	Comparison of selected methods of assessing freshness quality and remaining storage life of iced gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Article Written by	Vladimiros P. Lougovoisa, Eustratios R. Kyranasb, Vasiliki R. Kyranaa
Research Done at	Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Athens, Greece
Published Date	November 11, 2002
Fish Species	Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)
Key words	Gilthead sea bream; Quality index; Torrymeter; k1 value; Sulphide-producing bacteria

What the research is about

Quality changes of whole iced Gilthead sea bream were monitored by sensory evaluation, k1 value, GR Torrymeter and bacterial counts. The methods were tested for their suitability to determine freshness quality and remaining storage life in ice.

The article “Comparison of Selected Methods of Assessing Freshness Quality and Remaining Storage Life of Iced Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)” explores various methods used to assess the freshness and remaining storage life of iced Gilthead Sea Bream. The primary focus is on the Torrymeter, a widely used device that measures the changes in dielectric properties of fish skin and muscle as an indicator of spoilage rate. This article is significant to industry professionals, researchers, and tech enthusiasts who seek to understand and advance the methods of assessing food freshness.

Problem or Challenge Addressed:
The Torrymeter plays a pivotal role in solving the challenge of accurately determining the freshness and remaining storage life of iced Gilthead Sea Bream. It overcomes the limitations of traditional sensory assessments by providing an objective measure of freshness. Traditional subjective assessments can be influenced by various factors, such as individual differences in perception and expertise. The Torrymeter offers a more reliable and consistent method for evaluating fish freshness, enabling better quality management throughout the fishery chain.

Benefits of the Torrymeter:
Based on the content of the article, the Torrymeter yields several benefits:

• Objective Freshness Assessment: The Torrymeter establishes a robust and standardized measure of freshness by quantifying the changes in dielectric properties of fish skin and muscle, minimizing subjectivity in quality assessment.
• Early Detection of Spoilage: The Torrymeter proves to be maximally sensitive in monitoring early storage changes, allowing for proactive measures to be taken before active bacterial spoilage is detected.
• Accurate Storage Prediction: By correlating Torrymeter readings with sensory attributes, the Torrymeter provides a means to predict the post-mortem age of iced Gilthead Sea Bream with an accuracy of less than two days. This precise estimation supports effective quality management in the fishery chain.
• Ease of Use: The Torrymeter is an electrical tester that offers ease of use, immediate response, and portability. Its simplicity allows for efficient and practical implementation in various operational settings.

Ideal Use Cases or Scenarios:
The Torrymeter can be particularly useful in the following scenarios, as identified in the article:

• Fishery Chain Quality Management: The Torrymeter’s objective freshness assessment makes it a valuable tool for quality management throughout the fishery chain. It provides accurate measurements for evaluating fish freshness, enabling informed decisions regarding storage and distribution.
• Research and Development: Researchers in the seafood industry can utilize the Torrymeter to study and refine methods of assessing fish freshness. Its precise measurements and correlation with sensory attributes offer valuable insights into the changes that occur during storage.
• Storage Optimization: By monitoring the changes in Torrymeter readings over time, stakeholders in the seafood industry can optimize storage conditions and practices to minimize spoilage and ensure product quality, resulting in reduced waste and improved consumer satisfaction.

Research conclusion

The Torrymeter offered a unique tool for indirectly measuring freshness quality of gilthead sea bream. Instrument readings were consistent with sensory assessment and provided a basis for estimating days in ice passed with an accuracy (2.2 days), which was not practically different from that provided by either k1 value, quality index method or counts of sulphide-producing bacteria. Advantages of using the electrical tester include ease of use, immediate response, portability, and minimal training requirements.

The Torrymeter’s contribution to the conclusion of the article is profound. It has been proven to be a reliable and effective tool for indirectly measuring the freshness quality of iced Gilthead Sea Bream. The instrument readings provided by the Torrymeter were consistent with sensory assessments, offering a basis for estimating the number of days the fish remained in ice with remarkable accuracy. This suggests that the Torrymeter can be instrumental in making judgments about fish freshness and facilitating informed decisions within the seafood industry. Moreover, the Torrymeter’s ease of use, immediate response, and portability make it a practical choice for assessing fish freshness in various operational contexts.