FISH PRESERVATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Fish preservation refers to the various methods and techniques employed to maintain the freshness, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of fish, in order to prolong its shelf life and prevent spoilage. It encompasses a range of practices aimed at inhibiting bacterial growth, enzyme activity, and oxidation, which are the main causes of decay and deterioration in fish.
There are several approaches to fish preservation, including chilling, freezing, salting, smoking, drying, and canning. Chilling involves storing fish at low temperatures, typically around 0-4 degrees Celsius, which slows down microbial growth and enzymatic reactions, thus delaying spoilage. Freezing is a more long-term preservation method where fish is stored at temperatures below -18 degrees Celsius, effectively halting bacterial activity and enzymatic processes, preserving the quality of the fish for an extended period.
Salting involves coating fish with salt, which reduces water activity and inhibits microbial growth. Smoking fish involves exposing it to smoke from burning wood or smoldering wood chips, which aids preservation by drying the fish, creating a smoky flavor, and inhibiting bacterial activity. Drying fish involves removing moisture from the fish, either through sun drying or through the use of drying equipment, while canning involves packing fish in hermetically-sealed containers, preventing microbial growth and maintaining quality.
Fish preservation plays a critical role in the fishing industry, enabling fish to reach distant markets and allowing consumers to enjoy fish products year-round. Additionally, it contributes to reducing waste and promoting sustainable fishing practices by reducing post-harvest losses.
Etymology of FISH PRESERVATION
The word "preservation" originated from the Latin word "praeservare", which means "to guard beforehand" or "to keep safe". It evolved from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "servare" meaning "to keep" or "to save".
As for the word "fish", it can be traced back to the Old English word "fisc", which has Germanic roots. This term is related to the Old High German word "fisk", Old Norse word "fiskr", and Gothic word "fisks", all of which share the same meaning. The origin of the Germanic word is believed to be from the Proto-Indo-European root "pisk-" meaning "a fish or to fish".
Therefore, when combined, "fish preservation" refers to the practice of guarding, keeping safe, or saving fish from spoilage or decay.
