Seasonal differences in the properties of gelatins extracted from skin of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

The gelatins were extracted from skins of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) caught in winter and summer, respectively. The physicochemical (molecular weight distribution and melting point) and rheological characteristics (viscosity property), as well as functional properties (emulsifying capacity and stability) of the gelatin from winter silver carp skin were compared with those of the summer equivalent. The results showed the properties of the summer gelatin were superior to those of the winter one, showing higher viscosity, emulsion stability, melting point and lower concentration for gelling. The summer gelatin has slightly denser strands of the gel microstructure which was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different properties of gelatins from skin of silver carp may be attributed to the big discrepancy of the environmental temperature in the two seasons.