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Seasonal variations in chemical composition and fatty acid profile of European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) from Northern Adriatic

European abalone is herbivorous gastropod mollusc from Haliotidae family, native to the the north east Atlantic and Mediterranean, but also abundant in the Adriatic. Traditionally, abalone is highly valued as a gastronomic delicacy on Asian market, with a growing appeal on the European market. Despite a high market interest and expansion of farms in Europe, scientific data on production technology and nutritional value of European abalone is limited. The aim of this work was to determine chemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of European abalone harvested in Northern Adriatic during four seasons. Results showed minor variations in crude protein and fat content in range of 17.25 – 18.52 g/100 g and 1.48 – 1.65 g/100 g respectively, during fall, winter and spring, while in summer values were significantly lower, i.e. 13.23 g/100 g of protein and 1.15 g/100 g of fat. Most abundant FA was palmitic acid with content in range 18.05 – 24.71 % of total FA. Other major FA include eicosapentaenoic acid (9.50 – 16.56 %), docosapentaenoic acid (8.16 – 9.75 %) and oleic acid (4.25 – 9.06 %). The proportions of total SFA and MUFA showed large seasonal variations with similar content in spring (36.93 % SFA, 19.52 % MUFA) and fall (36.89 % SFA, 18.18 % MUFA), the highest in summer (40.87 % SFA, 21.77 % MUFA) and the lowest in winter (33.10 % SFA, 16.15 % MUFA). The proportions of total PUFA were the highest in winter (46.13%) and the lowest in summer (33.61%). The minimal protein and fat content in summer is correlated with the reproductive status, i.e. end of the spawning period, while accumulation of PUFA during the winter period is due to adaptation of membrane lipids to low temperatures, in accordance with previous studies. Observed variations significantly influence nutritive value of European abalone during different seasons.

Haliotis tuberculata ; Seasonal variations

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