Abstract:
To evaluate the nutritional value of different edible parts of Fuyong Fatty Crab (
Scylla serrata) as well as its varietal advantages, the nutritional components of three of its core edible tissues (ovary, hepatopancreas, and muscle) were systematically analyzed and compared with previously reported nutritional data on Suifenhe Mitten Crab (
Eriocheir hepuensis, a representative freshwater crab) and Swimming Crab (
Portunus trituberculatus, a representative marine crab). The results showed that the average body weight, carapace length and width, and ovary index (10.18%, Grade I premium roe crab) of Fuyong Fatty Crab were higher than those of the two control crab species. Among the three tissues of Fuyong Fatty Crab, the ovary was low in fat, high in protein, and rich in five carotenoid species (total content higher than that of
Portunus trituberculatus); the muscle had the highest essential amino acid and total amino acid contents and optimal average amino acid score, and the hepatopancreas had the highest contents of fatty acids such as DHA and EPA (
P<0.05) and the lowest n-3/n-6 ratio (
P<0.05) significantly. All three tissues were high-quality mineral sources, with differences in mineral composition. This study indicated that the overall nutritional value of Fuyong Fatty Crab was superior to those of Suifenhe Mitten Crab and
Portunus trituberculatus, and had the various tissue parts differed considerably in nutritional composition and quality. These results provide a scientific basis for the dietary selection and deep processing of Fuyong Fatty Crab.