Effect of freezing method and frozen storage duration on lamb sensory quality

This study assessed the effect of three freezing methods with three frozen storage durations (1, 3, and 6 months) on the sensory quality of lamb. Methods were: air blast freezer, freezing tunnel + air blast freezer, and nitrogen chamber + air blast freezer. Meat was frozen after 48 h of ageing (0-4 °C). Fresh meat (72 h ageing at 2-4 °C) was used as control. Sensory analyses (trained panel and consumer tests) were performed on loin chops (Longissimus lumborum) after 24 h of thawing. Results from the trained panel test showed that freezing (method and/or storage duration) had no significant effect. Consumers found that freezing affected sensory quality. Cluster analysis for overall acceptability divided the population into four classes with different preference patterns, and none of them showed a significant preference for fresh meat. The small differences between fresh and thawed meat shown in this study should not give consumers concerns about buying frozen meat or consuming thawed meat.     

Effects of freezing temperature and duration of frozen storage on lipid and protein oxidation in chicken meat

This study examined the effects of freezing temperature and duration of frozen storage on lipid and protein oxidation in chicken leg and breast meat. The meat was frozen at three different temperatures (−7, −12 and −18 °C) and then stored at −18 °C for up to 6 months. A significant effect of frozen storage duration on lipid oxidation was detected in leg and breast meat, whereas freezing temperature had no significant effect. In leg meat, freezing at −7 °C had a significant impact on protein oxidation, measured as the increase in carbonyl groups and the decrease in total sulphydryl groups, after 3 months of frozen storage. Lipid and protein oxidation appeared to occur simultaneously in chicken meat during frozen storage and was more intense in leg meat than in breast meat.     

Meat quality comparison between fresh and frozen/thawed ostrich M. iliofibularis

A pairwise comparison of the meat quality between fresh and frozen/thawed Musculus iliofibularis was conducted. Thirty-two (16 left; 16 right) muscles were collected and allocated to two treatments: fresh and frozen/thawed. Frozen vacuum-packed samples were stored for 1 month at -20°C before thawing. The fresh samples had higher pH (P<0.05), water binding capacity (P<0.05), CIE L* (P<0.0001), CIE a* (P<0.05) and Chroma values (P<0.05) than the frozen/thawed samples, indicating the fresh samples were bright red in appearance and had minimal exudate. The frozen/thawed samples lost 5.09±0.21% moisture during thawing and had a greater drip loss (P<0.0001) and shear force (P<0.001). No differences were obtained with regard to cooking loss, CIE b*, hue and TBARS. Protein oxidation (mM carbonyls/mg protein) was lower (P<0.05) in the frozen/thawed samples, which was attributed to the higher (P<0.0001) protein concentration negating the higher (P<0.001) carbonyl content. Industrial freezing and thawing regimes negatively affected the quality of ostrich meat.     

Effect of high voltage electrostatic field treatment on thawing characteristics and post-thawing quality of frozen pork tenderloin meat

The thawing characteristics and post-thawing quality of frozen pork treated with high voltage electrostatic fields (HVEF) were compared with those of an air-thawed control. A multiple points-to-plate electrode operating at voltages above 6 kV significantly shortened the thawing time. Under electrode voltages 4, 6, 8, and 10 kV, thawing times were 70, 52, 46, and 40 min respectively, versus 64 min in the control. HVEF treatment was particularly effective in the temperature range −5–0 °C. HVEF treatment reduced the total microbial counts in thawed frozen meat by 0.5–1 log CFU/g, without affecting meat quality. During five days of post-thawing storage, the volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) levels increased from 10.64 to 16.38 mg/100 g under 10 kV applied voltage, while the control VBNs increased from 10.66 to 19.87 mg/100 g. This suggests an application potential for HVEF treatment in the thawing and storage of frozen meat.     

Differentiation between fresh beef and thawed frozen beef

In order to prevent meat retailers offering thawed, imported frozen beef as fresh domestic beef, the method of Gottesmann and Hamm for differentiating between fresh and frozen/thawed meat is recommended. The principle of this method is based on the fact that freezing and thawing of meat results in a release of the enzyme β-hydroxyacyl CoA-dehydrogenase (HADH) from the mitochondrion into the sarcoplasm; an elevated HADH activity in the muscle press-juice indicates freezing and thawing of tissue. The HADH colour test of Gottesmann and Hamm was modified by replacing the electron-transmitter meldolablue by resazurin which results in a much higher colour stability after reaction with fresh meat extracts.     

Thawing of lamb loin chops in air and CO(2). Effect on colour and drip

Colour retention and drip loss was assessed during retail display for chilled lamb chops displayed fresh or stored in CO(2) for 7 weeks before display, and for chops frozen for various times and thawed in air or CO(2). A sensory panel found fresh lamb chops to have an acceptable display life of 1 day, while chops which had been frozen for 1 day and then thawed lasted 2 days. Holding chops for 7 weeks in a CO(2) atmosphere at - 1·5°C improved display life to 3 days, but frozen chops held for 7 weeks before thawing had deteriorated in colour, and only one group was acceptable on the initial day of display. Initially there were no differences in Hunter L values (brightness) due to treatment, but chilled chops or those frozen for 1 day showed a greater increase in L values by the second day than those frozen for 7 weeks, after which there was no change in brightness. Hunter a values (redness) were higher in chilled chops and those thawed after 1 day's frozen storage than those frozen for 7 weeks before thawing. Hunter b values (yellowness) were greater at all times in chilled chops held for 7 weeks and varied amongst the other treatments. The measured per cent drip from chops frozen for only 1 day was greater on thawing than drip from chops frozen for 7 weeks before thawing. Drip during display, assessed by a sensory panel, increased more in those chops stored either chilled or frozen for 7 weeks before display.     

Freezing rate and frozen storage effects on the ultrastructure of samples of pork

Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructure of small samples (approximately 6 g) of pork. Combinations of six freezing rates, two storage times and three thawing rates were used. Cavities created after sublimation of the ice crystals were quantitatively analysed using an image analysis software package. The cross-sectional areas of cavities of meat samples in the frozen state were approximately ten times the areas of the cavities of the fresh and thawed samples. The large cavities in the frozen state grossly distorted the muscle cell structures. Upon thawing, the meat structure had almost completely recovered. No significant freezing rate effects were observed, however, trends were evident. Significant storage time effects were observed. In the frozen state, at the 90th percentile level, the hole area fraction was greater in stored samples for intermediate cavity areas. In thawed samples, hole area fractions of stored samples were greater than in samples without storage.     

The effect of thawing methods on the quality of eels (Anguilla anguilla)

Physical (colour), chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid values (TBA)) and microbiological (total aerobic mesophylic bacteria, salmonella, coliform, yeast and mould counts) analyses were carried out on thawed European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Different thawing treatments were used (in a refrigerator, in water, in air at ambient temperature and in a microwave oven). The results obtained were compared statistically with those of fresh fish. pH, TBA and a^∗ values of thawed samples usually decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to the fresh control. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples. Coliform and mould counts of fresh control and thawed samples were <1 CFU/g. Total aerobic mesophylic bacteria count of all thawed fish decreased. However, the yeast count of the refrigerator–thawed samples increased. The lowest total aerobic mesophylic bacteria and yeast counts were determined in water–thawed samples. Water thawing is therefore suitable for frozen eel.     

Preservation of spinach by isochoric (constant volume) freezing

Efforts are currently directed towards improving the quality of vegetables after freezing and thawing. One of the methods under investigation is isochoric freezing. In this study, we evaluated isochoric freezing for preserving the quality of baby-leaf spinach. We compared the properties of thawed spinach frozen to −4°C in an isochoric system with those of fresh spinach, thawed spinach frozen to −4°C in an isobaric system and thawed spinach that were commercially frozen. Spinach leaves frozen under isobaric conditions lost mass and thickness, making them softer and translucent. They also lost much of their nutrient content. In comparison, isochoric freezing maintained cell integrity and turgidity. Thawed leaves remained crunchy with characteristics similar to fresh leaves. Isochoric freezing also preserved nutritional content better than isobaric freezing, although significant nutrient losses still occurred.     

Evolution of quality parameters of high pressure processing (HPP) pretreated albacore (Thunnus alalunga) during long-term frozen storage

The aim of this work was to study the application of high pressure processing (HPP) before freezing for maintaining as much as possible the fresh characteristics of albacore steaks after long-term storage. HPP treatments were applied at 200 MPa for 0–6 min. Then, samples were immediately frozen (−20 °C) and stored (−20 °C) for up to 12 months. Once thawed (4 °C; 24 h), weight losses, color, texture, lipid oxidation (TBARS) and salt-soluble protein content were analyzed.After 12 months of frozen storage, 200 MPa for 6 min minimized thawing loss inherent to freezing and frozen storage and decreased TBARS (53.9%) with respect to the control. However, it resulted in changes in color (higher L*, b* and ΔE values) and texture (higher adhesiveness and springiness) and decreased the salt-soluble protein content with respect to non-pretreated samples. Nevertheless, after cooking, there were no differences in color and texture between HPP pretreated fish and the controls.     

Effect of freezing/thawing conditions and long‐term frozen storage on the quality of mashed potatoes

The effects of freezing temperature (−80, −40 or −24 °C) and thawing mode (microwave or overnight at 4 °C) on quality parameters of mashed potatoes made from tubers (cv Kennebec) and from potato flakes were examined, as was the effect of long‐term frozen storage on the quality of mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes were tested for texture profile analysis (TPA) and cone penetration, oscillatory and steady rheometry, colour, dry matter, Brix and sensory analyses. In natural mashed potatoes, TPA hardness and oscillatory parameters showed that processing resulted in a softer product than the fresh control. The parameters were lower in the samples thawed at 4 °C than in those thawed by microwave at all the freezing temperatures used, which may be ascribed to gelatinisation of the starch released from damaged cells. Differences from the freshly prepared product decreased when the samples were frozen at −80 °C and thawed by microwave. No difference was found in sensory acceptability between samples frozen at −80 and −40 °C, which probably reflects the panellists' mixed preferences for air‐thawed versus microwave‐thawed samples. Increasing the time in frozen storage led to a natural mash with a firmer texture, higher L*/b* value and Brix; nonetheless, panellists found the samples at 0, 3 and 12 months of frozen storage equally acceptable. In commercial mash, penetration and oscillatory parameters showed that processing made for a firmer product than the fresh control, probably owing to retrogradation of gelatinised starch. Thawing mode had a significant effect on parameters, which were lower in the samples thawed at 4 °C. The structure and quality of commercial mash was more detrimentally affected by freezing and, therefore, we would not recommend either freezing or frozen storage of this mashed potato in the used conditions. Natural mash made from Kennebec potatoes should be frozen quickly and thawed by microwave in the conditions described to obtain a product more similar to that freshly made. If the samples are frozen by air blasting at −40 °C, the product can withstand frozen storage for one year. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of lamb age and high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging on protein polymerization of long-term aged lamb loins

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of lamb age and high-oxygen modified atmosphere (HiOx-MAP) on tenderness of loins during display. Loins from 36 carcasses of two different age groups [4-month-old (New season; NS) and 11-month-old lambs (Old season; OS)] were vacuum-packaged and stored for 8 weeks at −1.5 °C. After storage, the loins were cut into 6-cm thick chops, assigned to either HiOx-MAP or oxygen-permeable overwrap-PVC, and then displayed for 8 days at 3 °C. Initially, packaging methods did not influence shear force (P > 0.05). However, at the end of display, a significant increase in shear force and lipid oxidation was found in OS loins under HiOx-MAP. SDS–PAGE and Western blot results found a greater extent of cross-linked myosin products from OS loins in HiOx-MAP compared to NS loins. These results suggest that HiOx-MAP can adversely influence meat quality of fully-tenderized loins, and meat from older lamb may be more susceptible to an oxidizing environment of HiOx-MAP.     

Quality changes during the frozen storage of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) muscle after pressure shift freezing and pressure assisted thawing

Quality of frozen sea bass muscle stored (1, 3 and 5 months) at two levels of temperature (−15 and −25 °C) after a pressure shift freezing process (200 MPa) — PSF — and/or a pressure assisted thawing process (200 MPa) — PAT — was evaluated in comparison with samples frozen and thawed using conventional methods (air-blast AF and AT, respectively). Frozen storage of high-pressure treated samples did not significantly affect initial quality of frozen muscle. Thus, parameters related to protein denaturation and extractability, water holding capacity and color presented similar values than those obtained for not stored samples. In addition, the improvement of the microstructure achieved by PSF application remains unchanged during frozen storage. On the other hand, conventional treated samples experienced significant changes during frozen storage, such as protein denaturation, and water holding capacity and color modifications. Storage temperatures did not have influence in the quality of PSF and PAT samples, but it showed some effects in AF muscle.Industrial relevance: This work demonstrates the potential application and benefits of high pressure (HP) in the freezing and thawing of fish meat in comparison to conventional methods, due to an improvement on the cellular integrity of the tissue. Although some negative effects are produced during processing with HP, no additional modifications occur during the frozen storage. The studied methodologies seemed to be very suitable for fish freezing and thawing, especially for products which will be frozen stored and/or cooked.     

Impact of frozen storage on polyacetylene content, texture and colour in carrots disks

This study investigated the effect of freezing method (slow or blast freezing) with or without blanching during storage at −20 °C on the levels of three polyacetylenes, falcarinol (FaOH), falcarindiol (FaDOH), falcarindiol-3-acetate (FaDOAc) in carrot disks. The quality of the carrot disks was also assessed using instrumental texture and colour measurements. Blast frozen carrot disks retained higher amounts of polyacetylenes compared to their slow frozen counterparts. Whilst the levels of retention of total polyacetylenes was higher in unblanched than blanched disks prior to freezing there was a sharp decrease in the levels of polyacetylenes in unblanched frozen carrots during the storage period for 60 days at −20 °C. FaDOH was observed to be the most susceptible to degradation during frozen storage of unblanched carrot disks, followed by FaOH and FaDOAc. The changes in the level of polyacetylenes during storage were adequately described by using Weibull model. The texture and colour were also found to decrease during frozen storage compared to fresh carrots.     

Effects of freezing, thawing and storage on some quality factors for portion-size beef cuts

Portion-size beef cuts packaged in oxygen impermeable plastic bags were used to study the effects of rates of freezing and thawing, and storage time and temperature on drip and cooking losses, shear force, destruction of glutathione and accumulation of protein-breakdown products in meat. Portions weighing 150 g or over and frozen in an air-blast at −30°C gave lower losses of drip and lower amounts of nitrogenous constituents in drip than samples weighing less than 150 g or samples frozen in cardboard boxes in still air at −18°C. Freezing and thawing or frozen storage had no significant effect on shear force of meat frozen after ageing. During frozen storage, the destruction of glutathione and accumulation of protein-breakdown products increased, depending directly on storage temperature and time. The results show that a test based on these two biochemical changes would be suitable for assessing the quality of frozen beef.     

肉类冷冻解冻技术研究进展

冷冻肉因具有易贮藏、易运输、安全性高的优势而被肉类加工企业广泛使用,是肉类加工的主要原料,但是肉类在冷冻解冻过程中会发生一系列品质下降和损耗的现象,如重结晶、油烧、汁液流失和干耗等。因此在肉类加工中为了防止冷冻解冻时品质劣变有必要采用高效的冷冻解冻技术。本文综述了不同冷冻解冻技术(传统技术、高新技术)在肉类加工中的应用,为肉类的高效冷冻解冻技术的研究提供参考。     

Pre rigor processing,ageing and freezing on tenderness and colour stability of lamb loins

Forty eight lamb carcasses with temperature and pH monitored were obtained from two commercial plants. At 24 h post mortem both loins (M. longissimus) from each carcass were randomly allocated to a) unaged frozen at − 18 °C, (b) aged at − 1.5 °C for 2 weeks before freezing, (c) aged for 3 weeks before freezing and (d) aged for 9 weeks without freezing. Shear force, colour stability and proteolysis were analyzed. Carcasses with a slower temperature and more rapid pH decline had more calpain autolysis, slightly higher shear force and less colour stable compared to that counterpart in general (P < 0.05). However, the shear force values of the loins were all acceptable (< 6 kgF) regardless of different pre rigor processing and ageing/freezing treatments. Furthermore, the loins aged for 2 weeks-then-frozen/thawed had a similar shear force to the loins aged only for 9 weeks suggesting that ageing-then-freezing would result in equivalent tenderness compared to aged only loins for the long-term storage.     

Effects of dietary rosemary extract on lamb spoilage under retail display conditions

A dietary rosemary extract (RE) was tested to extend the shelf life of raw lamb meat. Lambs were supplemented with 0.6 mg kg⁻¹ RE during fattening (from 13 to 25 kg live weight). Meat spoilage (total viable counts, psycrophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, molds and yeasts), TBARS, CIE L*a*b* color and the sensory traits of lamb cuts were analyzed on days 0, 7, 14 or 21 under retail display conditions (70/30 O₂/CO₂ atmosphere, 2 °C temperature and 1600 lx lighting). Supplementation of the lamb diet with RE was effective (P < 0.05) in prolonging the time chilled-packed lamb cuts could be kept under retail display conditions. Dietary rosemary clearly inhibited lipid oxidation and rancidity, and was moderately efficient in preventing sensory deterioration and microbial spoilage. Although the results concerning meat preservation were limited, the dietary use of rosemary extracts in lambs seems to be promising as a nutritional strategy for improving meat quality.     

Evaluation of lipid oxidation in horse mackerel patties covered with borage-containing film during frozen storage

Lipid oxidation of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) patties covered with fish gelatin-based films containing a borage seed extract were evaluated, including commonly used analytical indexes (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, polyene ratio), as well as determination of volatile compounds, quantitation of oxidized triacylglycerols and analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, during 240 days of frozen storage and subsequent thawing and 4 days-chilling. Vacuum packaged-patties and control uncovered patties were also tested for comparative purposes. Methods applied to evaluate lipid oxidation in extracted lipids, i.e. peroxide value, quantitation of oxidized triacylglycerols and FTIR, clearly provided a better picture of the oxidation progress and led to similar conclusions. Film had protective effects on lipid oxidation of horse mackerel patties throughout frozen storage and particularly after thawing and chilled storage. Furthermore, when compared to vacuum packaging, film was found to be similarly effective until advanced stages of oxidation were reached and exerted enhanced protection once samples were thawed and exposed to air oxygen under chilling temperature; with the additional advantage of increasing the antioxidant capacity of muscle.     

Quick-freezing based on a nitrogen reversed Brayton cryocooler prototype: Effects on the physicochemical characteristics of beef longissimus thoracis muscle

Freezing plays an important role in food preservation and shelf-life extension. This study assessed the effectiveness of an innovative quick-freezing plant for meat freezing, based on a nitrogen reversed Brayton cryocooler prototype able to reach very cold temperatures (< −100 °C), by evaluating the effects on the physicochemical characteristics of frozen/thawed beef steaks. A comparison with two other standard freezing methods was conducted, and unfrozen beef steaks were used as a reference. The time-temperature profiles were monitored during the freezing and thawing processes, and physicochemical analyses were performed on unfrozen and thawed steaks. The results of the experimental campaign showed that the prototype plant made it possible to achieve a faster freezing rate (50 °C h⁻¹) than standard plants, leading to a significant reduction in the thawing losses of frozen meat. In addition, the steaks processed in the prototype plant had larger hue values, indicating less red colour.Industrial relevanceIn the food cold chain, especially for highly perishable products such as meat, freezing plays a significant role in preservation and shelf-life extension, thus improving safe food consumption for humans. In this study, a prototype of a nitrogen reversed Brayton cryocooler was developed and tested under the realistic conditions expected for quick meat freezing. The results showed a very fast freezing rate of the food product. Our findings demonstrated that reversed Brayton cryocoolers show great promise in the food industry for quick freezing at very low temperatures, with the potential to freeze several kinds of food products.