Tag: Ice crystals

According to the USDA, the freezing process itself does not destroy nutrients in meat and poultry products, with little change in nutritional value during freezer storage. So, does freezing food affect protein in more subtle ways that impact quality? The science points to changes in texture and moisture, but not a loss of core protein content.

Approximately 35% of consumers report encountering freezer-burned ice cream, often mistaking the resulting texture for a 'dusty' or 'sandy' taste. This gritty, unpleasant sensation is not due to literal dust, but rather a sign that your frozen dessert has undergone a chemical and structural change, compromising its creamy texture and fresh flavor.

According to the USDA, food stored continuously at 0°F is always safe, but this doesn't mean its quality is guaranteed. The presence of ice crystals on your frozen fruit is a very common sight and can lead to confusion about whether the food is still safe to eat.