Comparison of gender differences in biochemical composition and nutritional value of various edible parts of the blue swimmer crab

The nutritional value of various edible parts of the blue swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) was evaluated, and gender differences in terms of edible yield, proximate composition, amino acids, lipid classes and fatty acid content were compared. The results showed that females (44.3%) had a higher edible yield than males (35.9%) (P < 0.05). Although higher protein and lipid contents were detected in the meat and gonad of females, the males contained higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P < 0.05). Significant differences in fatty acid composition were also found among various edible parts and between genders (P < 0.05). For example, the meat was shown to have higher total highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) (36-39%) than the hepatopancreas (16-18%) or gonads (16-24%). A balanced amino acid composition was found in both meat and gonads. The results obtained from the present study indicate that the meat and ovaries of the blue swimmer crab are one of the healthiest seafoods, and they are also suitable for making processed products. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.