CPC A23B 4/064 (2013.01) [A22C 25/08 (2013.01); A22C 25/17 (2013.01); A22B 3/083 (2013.01)] | 7 Claims |
1. A method for freezing food items, said method comprising:
a) receiving food items,
b) bringing the food items to an under-cooled state in salt-controlled and temperature-controlled liquid in at least one first container by:
i) determining the salt concentration of the liquid and maintaining the temperature of the liquid such that the temperature is higher than the freezing point of the liquid, and
ii) providing substantially continuous movement of the food items in the liquid during the step of bringing the food items to an under-cooled state,
c) subjecting the food items to a temperature balancing step to allow the food items to rime before freezing the food items,
d) transferring the food items to a receptacle for freezing, and
e) bringing the food items to a temperature between −4 and −24° C. for storage before processing, wherein step c) is performed after bringing the food items to an under-cooled state and prior to freezing the food items.
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