Effects of washing methods on the rigor of scallop adductor muscle

Changes during storage at 0 degrees C in the frequency of specimens in rigo r, breaking strength, rate of muscle fiber contraction, and concentrations of ATP and its related compounds were examined in the adductor muscle of th e scallop Patinopecten yessoensis that was washed by different methods. All scallops were in rigor on day 2 after washing in distilled water, and on d ay 5 without washing or after washing in artificial sea water. The scallop was in rigor when the muscle fiber contracted over 25%. Breaking strength, ATP concentration and pH decreased more rapidly during storage in samples w ashed in distilled water than those not washed or washed in artifial sea wa ter, while K value was increased more remarkably by the former treatment. T hese results suggest that washing treatment of scallop adductor muscle with water even for 2 short time is unsuitable, and that washing in sea water i s more desirable.