Characterization and functionality of frozen muscle protein in volador (Illex coindetti), pota (Todaropsis eblanae), and octopus (Eledone cirrhosa)

Three species of cephalopods: volador (Illex coindetti), pota (Todaropsis eblanae), and octopus (Eledone cirrhosa) were classified according to sex, stage of sexual development, and anatomical zone for characterization and functionality of their muscle proteins. The 3 species exhibited very similar levels of total protein. Octopus mantles and arms contained the least proline and the most hydroxyproline. The highest solubility values in immature pota coincided with the lowest apparent viscosity and emulsifying capacity values. The highest insolubility values observed in octopus coincided with the highest viscosity and emulsifying capacity values. However, in volador which exhibited an intermediate solubility, viscosity was very high and emulsifying capacity was very low.