Effect of Monascus fermentation on the characteristics of mackerel mince

To improve the characteristics of fish muscle, Monascus purpureus or Monascus species was inoculated in 2.1% rice powder broth containing 30% minced mackerel tissue to produce a fermented fish product. Enterbacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas were not present during the 7 d of fermentation at 25 degreesC. The activities of both amylase and acidic proteases were detected after 1 and 2 d of fermentation, respectively, and further increased during fermentation. The volatile base nitrogen of all Monascus fermented samples were lower than the limit of food regulation in Taiwan (< 25 mg/ 100 g) even after 7 d of fermentation. Hydrolysis of the muscle protein and accumulation of free amino acid were observed. The fermented fish products had good flavor and color that were highly likeable to the sensory panel.