Contents of glutathione (GSH) in several fresh seafoods were determined by the HPLC method. GSH was detected in adductor muscle of scallop at a concentration of 29mg/100g and over the taste threshold of GSH (10mg/100ml). GSH content in salmon (9.2mg/100g) was near the threshold value. Other seafoods contained GSH in lower quantities. Contents of GSH disulfide (GSSG) in some seafoods were higher than those of GSH. The flavor character strengthened by GSSG was compared with that of GSH in the umami solution, showing that GSSG did not contribute to the flavors of foods so much as GSH.
The effects of adding GSH on the flavor of GSH-free synthetic scallop extract at a concentration of 29mg/100ml were examined by sensory evaluation. GSH increased the intensities of sweetness, umami, and some flavor characteristics, such as thickness, mouthfulness, and continuity, suggesting that GSH contributes to the flavor of scallop.