Proximate Composition and Nutritional Profile of the Black Sea Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) Whole Fish, Fillets, and By-Products

In this study, the proximate composition and nutritional profile of the Black Sea anchovy and its by-products were investigated. The total yield of by-products from anchovy was about 32% of the whole fish based on wet weight. The protein and fat contents of anchovy by-products were 13.39 and 10.02% for head, 16.47 and 15.50% for frame, and 12.05 and 23.90% for viscera, respectively. Significant differences were detected among the pH and color properties of anchovy whole fish, fillet, and by-products. Profiles of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals of anchovy by-products showed they are rich sources of lysine (6–7% of total amino acids), leucine (5–6% of total amino acids), and a number of essential amino acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 32–40% of total fatty acids), n-3 fatty acids (about 27–34% of total fatty acids), eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (about 26–32% of total fatty acids), and various minerals (P, Fe, Ni, Ca, Mn, Na, and Zn). These results revealed that anchovy by-products can be utilized for the production of value-added products such as protein powder, protein hydrolyzates, fish oils, and mineral supplements.