Explain the process of freezing, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain the process of Freezing

Freezing, as a method, is the easiest, most  convenient and least time-consuming way of preserving foods. Freezing does not sterilize foods or destroy the organisms that cause spoilage. How then does it preserve foods? Well, the  extreme cold simply slows the growth of microorganisms and the chemical changes that affect quality or cause spoilage. You already know that all microbial and biochemical activities are temperature dependant and slow down as the temperature is reduced. As a rule of thumb, for every 10°C temperature change, the rate of reaction changes by a factor of 2 to 3. 
 
Further, freezing helps to preserve food by its action on enzymes. Enzymes, as you already know are complex proteins, present in all living tissue, that help organisms ripen and mature. During freezing, enzyme action is slowed but not stopped. If not inactivated, these enzymes can cause color and flavor changes and loss of nutrients during freezer storage. 
 
We are all familiar with chilling and refrigerated storage. At home or at the industry level, refrigerated storage of food is generally practiced. In the unit operation of chilling, the temperature of a food is reduced generally to between -1°C and 7 °C and thus subsequent storage at refrigerated temperature extends the shelf life of both the fresh and processed foods. It is also used as an adjunct process to extend the storage life of mildly processed (e.g. pasteurized, fermented and irradiated) and low-acid foods. In the United States, refrigerated storage of food is mandated by regulations at temperatures at or below 7.2°C.  Such foods are also marketed under refrigeration and labeled as 'needing refrigeration'. Commercially sterilized and processed foods that may become contaminated after opening should also be labeled for refrigerated storage.
 
Chilling and refrigerated storage prevents the growth of bacteria, particularly the thermophiles (organisms that grow at high temperature) and mesophiles (organisms that grow at medium temperature). Psychrophiles (organisms that grow at low temperatures), however, can and do cause food spoilage during low temperatures  storage, but there are some psychrophillic pathogens.

611_freezing.png


Related Discussions:- Explain the process of freezing

Science, Structure of the brain. Include different parts and their function...

Structure of the brain. Include different parts and their function.

Explain non-protein functions of amino acids, Explain Non-protein Functions...

Explain Non-protein Functions of Amino Acids The non-protein functions of amino acids are presented in the following section. It is interesting to note that the non-protein fun

Gravity, Why does gravity effect people?

Why does gravity effect people?

Explain the gynaecological morbidity, Explain the Gynaecological morbidity ...

Explain the Gynaecological morbidity Gynaecological morbidity, which covers any condition, disease or dysfunction of the reproductive system that is not related to pregnancy, a

Define age related changes in respiratory system, Define age related change...

Define age related changes in Respiratory system During ageing, alveoli (present in the lungs) become flatter and shallower, alveolar ducts enlarge, walls become thinner, conta

Explain error catastrophe theory of ageing, Explain Error catastrophe theor...

Explain Error catastrophe theory of Ageing As the cells age, there is a random increase in error in protein synthesis due to insertion of wrong amino acids. They become non- fu

Fire blankets-water extinguishers, Fire Blankets :  We have already discus...

Fire Blankets :  We have already discussed the use of fire blankets, but it is worth noting that fire blankets are now made of glass fibre instead of asbestos, and that they are u

What is pancreatic juice, What is Pancreatic juice Pancreatic juice  is...

What is Pancreatic juice Pancreatic juice  is alkaline  in  nature (pH about 8.0) and contains both  organic and  inorganic  substances. The  enzyme components  are  trypsin, c

Life in the oceans, Life in the Oceans: Oceans are known as the largest...

Life in the Oceans: Oceans are known as the largest and the thickest ecosystem. Tiny plants and animals exist in it, in  immense numbers. A cubic meter of sea water may contain

A model illustrating how an eclipse appears, A model illustrating how an ec...

A model illustrating how an eclipse appears The sun is shown by an opal electric bulb shining by a circular hole 5 cm in diameter in a piece of blackened cardboard. The corona

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd