Evaluation des critères d’appréciation et des facteurs de variation de la qualité du loup d’élevage (Dicentrarchus labrax): Effets de la saison et du site de production

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to determine the variability of chemical composition and sensorial attributes of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) farmed in the North of Tunisia, in relation to season and farming location. Sensory analysis showed significant sensory differences between batches in relation to the season and the production site. Thus, fish quality is best appreciated for specimen caught during the winter season than those caught in summer with a clear variation related to the farming site. The relationship between biochemical criteria and sensory appreciation was treated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which has 73% of all the variables, 44% has been described by PC1 component and 29% component PC2 showing the effect of farming location on sensory and biochemical qualities of the products. The differences appear to be related to lipid flesh content as the least appreciated samples correspond to fish produced during the summer with significantly higher fat levels.