In the present investigation, we have devised a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) apparatus to assess the chemical characteristics and freshness of the yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) throughout its storage period. This system operates within the shortwave infrared spectrum, specifically ranging from 900 to 1700 nm. A variety of spectral pre-processing techniques, including standard normal variate (SNV), multiple scatter correction, and Savitzky–Golay (SG) derivatives, were employed to augment the predictive accuracy of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N)—which serves as a critical freshness parameter. Among the assessed methodologies, SG-1 pre-processing demonstrated superior predictive accuracy (R_p² = 0.8166). Furthermore, this investigation visualized freshness indicators as concentration images to elucidate the spatial distribution of TVB-N across the samples. These results indicate that HSI, in conjunction with chemometric analysis, constitutes an efficacious instrument for the surveillance of quality and safety in yellow croakers during its storage phase. Moreover, this methodology guarantees the freshness and safety of seafood products within the aquatic food sector.

Seafood quality preservation remains a critical focus in the food industry, particularly as the freeze–thaw process significantly impacts the freshness and safety of aquatic products. This study investigated quality changes in frozen mackerel subjected to two thawing methods, room temperature (RT) and running water (WT), and assessed the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for classifying these methods. After thawing, mackerel samples were stored at 5 °C for 21 days, with physicochemical, textural, and spectroscopic analyses tracking quality changes and supporting the development of a spectroscopic classification model. Compared with the WT method, the RT method delayed changes in key quality indicators, including pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and total viable count (TVC), by 1–2 days, suggesting it may better preserve initial quality. Texture profile analysis showed similar trends, supporting the benefit of RT in maintaining quality. A major focus was on using HSI to assess quality and classify thawing methods. HSI achieved high classification accuracy (R_c² = 0.9547) in distinguishing thawing methods up to three days post-thaw, with 1100, 1200, and 1400 nm wavelengths identified as key spectral markers. The HIS’s ability to detect differences between thawing methods, even when conventional analyses showed minimal variation, highlights its potential as a powerful tool for quality assessment and process control in the seafood industry, enabling detection of subtle quality changes that traditional methods may miss.

한국식품저장유통학회지(Korean Journal of Food Preservation)

We analyzed the major quality characteristics of red pepper powders from various regions and predicted these characteristics nondestructively using shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology. We conducted partial least squares regression analysis on 70% (n=71) of the acquired hyperspectral data of the red pepper powders to examine the major quality characteristics. Rc2 values of >0.8 were obtained for the ASTA color value (0.9263) and capsaicinoid content (0.8310). The developed quality prediction model was validated using the remaining 30% (n=35) of the hyperspectral data; the highest accuracy was achieved for the ASTA color value (Rp2=0.8488), and similar validity levels were achieved for the capsaicinoid and moisture contents. To increase the accuracy of the quality prediction model, we conducted spectrum preprocessing using SNV, MSC, SG-1, and SG-2, and the model’s accuracy was verified. The results indicated that the accuracy of the model was most significantly improved by the MSC method, and the prediction accuracy for the ASTA color value was the highest for all the spectrum preprocessing methods. Our findings suggest that the quality characteristics of red pepper powders, even powders that do not conform to specific variables such as particle size and moisture content, can be predicted via HSI.

한국식품저장유통학회지(Korean Journal of Food Preservation)