Inhibition of gel weakening of threadfin bream surimi using Thai legume seed proteinase inhibitors

Partially purified proteinase inhibitors from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L. ) Wasp), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and bambara groundnuts (Vo andzeia subterranea (L.) Thou) effectively inhibited sarcoplasmic modori-in ducing proteinase extracted from threadfin bream muscle in a concentration dependent manner. Incorporation of these proteinase inhibitors into threadf in bream surimi partially inhibited autolytic degradation and increased the gel force and deformation. Combination of setting and incorporating protei nase inhibitors fi om cowpea and bambara groundnut var. HY at the level of 30 kunits/g resulted in an increase in gel force and deformation by 60% and 26%, respectively. However, the lightness and whiteness of surimi gels dec reased slightly when the proteinase inhibitor was added at a level of 30 ku nits/g.