Articles & recettes
7 October 2023
When it comes to preserving fresh produce such as meat, fish and seafood, two methods are commonly used: regular freezing and flash freezing. While both processes involve the preservation of products at low temperatures, in this article we will explain how flash-freezing, the method we have chosen, offers significant advantages over regular freezing.
Regular freezing is the preservation method most commonly used in households, and made possible by the use of simple home freezer. It involves storing food at a temperature of maximum -18°C, so that it can be preserved for longer than in a refrigerator. This slow freezing process (up to 24 hours for the food to freeze completely through) is often used to extend the shelf life of products bought fresh, such as meat, fish, vegetables or even bread.
Flash-freezing uses the same general process as freezing, which is to lower the food's storage temperature to keep it edible for longer. The major difference is the temperature at which products are stored. While regular freezing takes place at around -18°C, flash-freezing takes place at -30°C to -50°C. With this second method, it takes just a few minutes for the product to freeze through.
At La famille Québec Alimentation, we have chosen to flash-freeze all our products. Why? Because this method allows us to best maintain the quality, flavor and freshness of our products. Our individually vacuum-packed meats, fish and seafood undergo a rigorous freezing process that guarantees their freshness over a longer period of time.
Freezing | Flash-freezing | |
Fruits & vegetables | 8-12 months | 24 months |
Precooked products | 1-3 months | 24 months |
Meat & Poultry | ||
Meat | 6-12 months | 18 months |
Poultry | 6-9 months | 18 months |
Ground meat | 3-4 months | 12 months |
Fish & Seafood | ||
Lean fish | 6-9 months | 18 months |
Fatty fish | 2-3 months | 18 months |
Seafood | 3-6 months | 18 months |
Shelf life can vary depending on temperature and packaging quality, which is why our meat, fish and seafood delivery service includes only individually vacuum-packed and frozen products to ensure optimal preservation.
Ultimately, whether you choose to freeze a product purchased fresh or buy a frozen product depends on your specific needs and storage capacity. However, flash-freezing stands out for its ability to optimally preserve food quality and freshness, making it an ideal choice for high-quality products.