Analysis of qualities of Urechis unicinctus by freeze-drying and hot-air-drying

Two dried products of Urechis unicinctus were produced by freeze-drying and hot-air-drying. The sensory test, amino acid composition and some inorganic elements were analyzed. The total amino acid contents of two products were up to 57.83% and 55.28%, and the contents of flavor amino acid were up to32.44% and 30.81%, respectively. The contents and the ratio of all kinds of human essential amino acids were close to human body model. The dried products of Urechis unicinctus were rich in calcium and zinc. They also contained some iron and selenium. The iron content in freeze-dried product was significantly higher than that in hot-air-dried product. This study showed that the sensory quality, contents of amino acids and the inorganic elements of freeze-dried products were higher than those of hot-air-dried products.