Evaluation of storage stability and quality changes of fish muscle (Pangasianodon hypothalamus) preserved in fabricated portable solar cooler and domestic refrigerator

This study was carried out to evaluate the quality changes and storage stability of fish muscle (Pangasianodon hypothalamus) preserved in fabricated portable solar cooler and domestic refrigerator.

Fish muscle from Pangasianodon hypothalamus were studied, keeping it in a fabricated portable solar cooler and in a domestic refrigerator at 5°±1°C to compare the shelf-life and quality of fish muscles. The fish muscle was packed separately in LDPE (low density polyethylene) packets and stored in a solar cooler and domestic refrigerator up to 7 days to compare the different physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters on 0, 3^rd and 7^th day.

The results revealed that there were non-significant changes (P>0.05) observed for different parameters during the storage periods in both solar cooler and domestic refrigerator. In contrast to the domestic refrigerator requiring electricity for functioning, solar cooler requires green energy for the same which is abundant and free of cost, thus justifying its economical sustainability. Finally, from the present study it was concluded that the preservation of fish in a portable solar cooler system is thus economically suitable, feasible and acceptable up to 7 days as compared to domestic refrigeration method at controlled temperature.