Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Avishan Shirazi) Essential Oil on Oxidative Progress in Frozen Cobia Fish Fillets During Storage

Antioxidants have been widely used as additives to provide protection against oxidative degradation of foods by free radicals. The effect of thyme essence (Zataria multiflora Boiss) on the rancidity development in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fillets during frozen storage was studied. Cobia fillets were treated with thyme essence (250 and 500 ppm) and then stored at18 degrees C for up to 6 months. Rancidity development was measured by several biochemical indices including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and complemented by sensory analysis (flesh odor, consistency, and appearance). Also, pH and expressible moisture were measured during 6-month storage. Proximate composition was also determined in the first day. TBA, PV, and FFA levels increased in all treatments due to lipid oxidation. Thyme essence showed an antioxidative effect in cobia fillets during frozen storage as indicated by TBA, PV, and FFA levels. Results showed that FFA, primary and secondary oxidation products, expressible moisture (EM), and pH of thyme essence treated samples were significantly lower than those of the control samples (p < 0.05). Thyme essence retarded oxidative changes in frozen cobia fillets, and the best oxidation inhibition was obtained using thyme essence at 500 ppm.