ORGANOLEPTIC ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF pH AND MOISTURE CONTENT IN ROHU, Labeo rohita AND CATLA, Catla catla FROM DIFFERENT FISH LANDING CENTERS DURING THE PRE AND POST - MONSOON PERIOD

The present research work was carried out with an aim to determine the pH and moisture content status of Rohu, Labeo rohita and Catla, Catla catla fish after it was brought into the local market for sale. The study was carried out at three fish landing centers viz., Arnala (Palghar District), Malad (Mumbai) and Mumbai Central (Mumbai). The Organoleptic analysis was within the range of 4 – 6. According to the Organoleptic analysis the minimum score is 0 means the fish is very fresh while the score from 1 – 10 indicates that the fish is in acceptable condition. The pH readings from all the centers for the Pre and Post - monsoon period was 6 i.e. slightly acidic. According to the Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center a freshly caught fresh water fish muscles pH ranges from 6.8 to 7.3. So, only a slight drop in the pH of the fresh water fish muscles from all the three fish landing centers during the Pre and Post - monsoon period is observed. This clearly indicates that the preservation and processing procedures were in place to increase the shelf life of fishes. Also the Moisture content was within the range of minimum to maximum 66 % to 74.62 % respectively. Moisture content in freshly caught fresh water fish is reported to be between 70 and 80% of the total weight. The fishes under study were within the acceptable and edible range of the consumer. Thus, this clearly states that, all the three fish landing centers viz., Arnala (Palghar District), Malad (Mumbai) and Mumbai Central (Mumbai) the fish preservation is practiced by fishermen and vendors.