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Ultra-frozen or Frozen: Main differences for preserving food
We often come across frozen and deep-frozen products. But do we know the differences between these food preservation methods?
To preserve the quality and freshness of food, two preservation methods are used: freezing and deep-freezing.
Both methods use a reduction in temperature to prevent food spoilage.
In this post, we'll explain the differences between frozen and deep-frozen foods, and their benefits.
What is ultra-freezing?
Ultra-freezing is a process for preserving food by exposing it to extremely low temperatures, hovering around the -40ºC or lower.
At such a low temperature, the water present in food freezes so quickly that microcrystals form instead of large ice crystals.
This results in less cellular damage to the food, preserving the texture, flavor, and all the nutrients in the food.
This method of food preservation is the most effective for keeping foods fresh and nutritionally complete.
How long does a frozen product last?
The duration of a frozen product It may vary depending on the product and it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
En general, un Ultra-frozen food can be consumed safely for years if the storage conditions are maintained..
Even if it's stored in perfect condition for a long period of time, you shouldn't overdo it, as it could end up losing quality. It's best to follow the label's best-before or expiration date.
One difference between frozen and deep-frozen foods is that deep-frozen foods can last much longer in perfect condition.
Cold chain
The cold chain is a very important process in the preservation of ultra-frozen foods.
As its name suggests, it is a chain of measures necessary to keep food at the right temperature from production to final consumption.
It is a fundamental element to guarantee the food safety of products and prevent potential bacteria that can cause illness.
One of the most complicated moments in the cold chain is the transportation of the merchandise.
A company that sells and ships frozen products must have a suitable mode of transport to keep the products at a low temperature and not break the cold chain.
Therefore, the cold chain must be maintained during production, during transport, and when it reaches the consumer's home.
Differences between deep-frozen and frozen food preservation
The big difference between freezing and deep freezing is the speed at which the product freezes.
Ultra-freezing is a very rapid process; the product reaches a very low temperature in a short period of time, while freezing is a slower process.
Related to the above, a deep-frozen product reaches crystallization temperature in less than two hours, while freezing can take up to eight hours. These processes are carried out at very low temperatures, and the product is then stored at -18°C or lower.
Another difference between frozen and deep-frozen is that when a product is deep-frozen, it forms microcrystals of ice,preserving the texture, flavor and composition of the food itself.
The same does not occur in freezing, where the product forms larger ice crystals and may lose more quality compared to ultra-freezing.
Why choose deep-frozen foods?
Ultra-frozen foods have many benefits compared to natural or frozen foods.
This ultra-freezing process has different objectives and we often consume ultra-frozen products without giving it much importance.
Some of the benefits of choosing ultra-frozen foods are:
- maintain qualityOne of the objectives of deep-freezing food is to preserve its nutritional properties intact, as if it were a fresh product of the day. By undergoing the freezing process so quickly and not forming ice crystals, the product remains in perfect condition.
- longer durationA deep-frozen product can remain suitable for consumption for years, without deterioration and with the same quality as the first day. However, we always recommend not exceeding the expiration or best-before date set by the manufacturer.
- Whenever and however you wantFor foods that are seasonal or harder to find on a daily basis, having a stock of frozen products can help you consume them whenever you want. This is especially true for seafood or foods that are not readily available. This can help consumers have a more varied diet than if they didn't buy frozen products. Plus, you can choose the option you prefer, whether cooked and ready to eat or prepared raw.
- Comfort and planningIt's more convenient to make all kinds of recipes if you already have the products at home and don't have to go shopping every day. It's also more useful for organizing meal plans or applying methods like batch cooking.
At Delfín we have a wide range of ultra-frozen products such as Cooked Crab, Prawns in a Coat and Pacific White Clam.
How to properly defrost frozen food?
The ideal process for defrosting frozen food is to gradually lower its temperature and not abruptly break the cold chain.
First, we remove the ultra-frozen food from the freezer and we put it in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Normally, it is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
It must be kept there for at least 12 hours to completely defrost.
Afterwards, we will keep it at room temperature for let it come to room temperature for at least half an hour before cooking.
