Effect of multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted immersion freezing on quality changes in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during frozen storage.

The effects of multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted immersion freezing (MUIF) at different ultrasound power levels (160, 175, and 190 W, respectively) on the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during frozen storage were studied. The study found that water loss and texture deterioration of MUIF were lower and MUIF was fresher than immersed freezing (IF) by affecting the morphology of ice crystals. Although the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and K values of each treatment increased continuously during frozen storage, MUIF was consistently lower than IF. Among them, MUIF at 175 W (MUIF-175) maintained good quality in frozen storage because of the fine and uniform ice crystals, indicating that MUIF at a specific power level can reduce the quality degradation of the samples during frozen storage. [Display omitted] • MUIF slowed down water loss and texture deterioration during frozen storage. • MUIF improved the freshness of large yellow croaker during frozen storage. • MUIF at 175 W formed fine ice crystals and caused little damage during 300 days. • MUIF at 175 W still had grade I freshness on the 300th day of frozen storage. • MUIF at 175 W had lower water loss and higher sensory scores during 300 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]