The Importance of Blast Freezing for Food Products in Australia
In the Australian food industry, maintaining the quality and safety of food products is paramount. One of the most effective methods for achieving this is blast freezing, a rapid freezing process that plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of food items.
Blast freezing involves subjecting food to extremely low temperatures (typically -18°C or lower) at a rapid rate. Unlike traditional freezing methods, which can take days or weeks, blast freezing can freeze products in 24–48 hours dependent on the commodity and temperature. This quick process is essential for maintaining the cellular structure of food, reducing ice crystal formation, and ultimately preserving flavour, texture, and nutritional value.
Blast freezing rapidly lowers the temperature of food, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and pathogens. This is particularly critical for perishable items, as it helps prevent foodborne illnesses. By quickly moving food through the temperature danger zone (between 5°C and 60°C), blast freezing enhances food safety.
The benefits of blast freezing extend beyond quality preservation. It reduces waste, improves stock management, and enables businesses to meet customer demand for a wide range of frozen products year-round. Additionally, it offers substantial economic advantages by extending shelf life, and facilitating global food logistics.
Products well-suited for blast freezing include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meats and seafood
- Prepared meals
- Bakery and dairy items
Americold provides blast freeze services at many of its locations around Australia and New Zealand. Conducting blast freezing and frozen storage in the same location streamlines operations as it reduces the need for transportation, minimizing the time food spends in transit and lowering costs associated with logistics. It also allows for quicker turnaround times, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Scan the QR code to learn more about the blast freezing options at an Americold site near you.
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