Tag: Freeze thaw cycles

According to the USDA, the freezing process itself does not destroy nutrients in meat and poultry products. So, does protein break down in the freezer? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving denaturation, water crystals, and freezer burn.

Contrary to the common belief that freezing simply halts biological activity, research shows that the process can profoundly impact protein stability. The answer to 'can freezing denature protein' is a definitive yes, occurring not due to cold itself, but from the physical and chemical stresses induced by the formation of ice.