Preservative Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Macroalga <i>Bifurcaria bifurcata</i> on the Quality of Chilled Hake (<i>Merluccius merluccius</i>)

This work addressed the preservative behaviour of different icing media containing extracts from the alga Bifurcaria bifurcata. A comparative study of the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this macroalga was carried out. Whole hake (Merluccius merluccius) pieces were stored in ice containing either kind of extract and analysed for quality changes throughout a 13-day storage period. A progressive loss of microbial and biochemical quality was detected in all batches as chilling time increased. A significant inhibitory effect (p p p p B. bifurcata