Abstract
The present study evaluates the effect of purple potato (PP) powder and citric acid (CA) on the regulation of the colour change of 3D (three-dimensional) printed mackerel mince (Scomber scombrus). In addition, the effects of PP and CA content on the 3D-printability and quality of mackerel mince were also investigated. The results showed that an increase in PP and CA concentrations gradually brightened the product colour and turned it pink. Furthermore, an increase in PP concentration and added CA reduced the fluidity and loss of water in mackerel mince. Proper PP and CA concentrations moderately increased the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), and yield stress of mackerel mince, making it suitable for 3D printing. At the same time, an increase in PP and CA concentrations enhanced the umami and sweet taste of mackerel mince but reduced the fishy and sour taste, and the degree of preference was within the acceptable range, except for PP1%-CA0%. It was found that, when the 3D-printing accuracy of mackerel-mince samples reached more than 97% and was acceptable, the optimal PP and CA concentrations for realizing the regulation of L*, a*, and b* were 1.00~3.00% and 0.09~0.32%, respectively.