Comparative assessment of proximate content and organoleptic quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) processed by smoking and solar drying methods

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of two processing methods (smoking and solar drying) on the proximate content, organoleptic characteristics and nutritional qualities of Clarias gariepinus. The moisture content of the smoked fish sample was lower (8.10%) than that of the sun dried sample (25.00%). The crude protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract of the smoked fish sample were 67.20, 1.75, 13.20, 5.50, 3.68 and 2.32%, respectively, compared to 52.50, 4.07, 17.40, 11.40, 2.00 and 18.30% observed in the sun-dried fish, respectively. Mean scores of organoleptic evaluation showed that both processed fish products were preferred (≥ 7.00) by the trained panellists. However, there was significant difference (p<0.05) between the two processed fish products in terms of organoleptic assessment. Smoked fish had better flavour, taste, texture and general acceptability than the solar-dried fish as revealed by the panellists. With better reduction in moisture content and higher protein content observed in fish subjected to smoking, it is concluded that smoking is better than solar drying in the processing of C. gariepinus.   Key words: Assessment, organoleptic-evaluation, Clarias gariepinus, processing methods.