Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus claw meat from two distinct localities in Adriatic coastal waters

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality claw meat of invasive species blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) caught in the different sites of the coastal part of the Adriatic Sea (Tivat Bay and Ulcinj). Crabs were cooked by steaming for 10 min. Afterward meat was picked from the claw by hand. The results of the analysis showed that the protein content in claw meat samples from Ulcinj and Tivat Bay were 16.83% and 15.85%, respectively. The fat content was 0.20% for the Ulcinj sample and 0.28% for the Tivat Bay sample. Similar content of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid were determined in claw meat of both samples. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the most abundant SFA in both samples, while oleic acid (C18:1n9c) was the most dominant in MUFA. Over 40% of the total fatty acids in crayfish meat were constituted of PUFA, of which the highest parts were n-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3) acid. The amounts of the amino acids of the claw meat were found to be similar. Glutamic acid was the major amino acid claw meat. The total essential amino acids were similar in Ulcinj and Tivat Bay samples 14.62 g and 14.71 g / 100 g cooked meat. The ratios of essential to nonessential amino acids in claw meat from Ulcinj and Tivat Bay were 1.37 and 1.43, respectively. Moreover, lysine and methionine amino acids, which are often limiting amino acids in staple foods, were found to be abundant in this species. Lysine was (1.21, 1.15 /100 g protein) while methionine was (0.53, 0.50 /100 g protein). Claw meat was rich in terms of metal content, and their concentrations are the following: Na>K>Ca>Mg>Zn>Cu>Fe. The concentration of heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Hd and As were under detection limits. Obtained results indicated that the claw meat as an edible portion of the crab body is nutritive rich in omega and essential amino acids, toxicologically safe and nutritionally complete.