Comparison of the nutritional quality of Chinese mitten crab ( <i>Eriocheir sinensis</i> ) cultured under two intensive models in the Yellow River Delta

This study undertook a comparative analysis of the extensive culture model (ECM) and the intensive culture model (ICM) within the Yellow River Delta to assess the quality of Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ) produced under these two cultivation methods. Through laboratory-based dissection and chemical analyses, the development, nutritional composition, and flavor characteristics of various edible parts of the crabs were systematically examined. The findings of this study indicated that the hepatopancreas somatic index (HSI), meat yield (MY), and total edible yields (TEY) of E. sinensis in the ECM pond were significantly higher than those in the ICM pond ( p &lt;0.05). The concentrations of five essential amino acids (lysine, threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine) in the gonads and muscles of E. sinensis from the ECM pond were significantly elevated, thereby enhancing their nutritional value. Additionally, the levels of total free amino acids, umami free amino acids, and sweet free amino acids in the hepatopancreas, gonads, and muscles of E. sinensis were significantly increased in the ECM pond ( p &lt;0.05). Conversely, the concentration of bitter amino acids in the muscles was significantly reduced ( p &lt;0.05). The taste active value (TAV) of umami and sweet free amino acids in the hepatopancreas and muscle was more pronounced in E. sinensis from the ECM pond.