What Are the Main Benefits of Using Liquid Nitrogen Freezers?

Liquid nitrogen freezers are becoming important machines in many industries because of their super low freezing temperatures and wide uses. Food companies that want to improve product quality and keep food fresh can get big advantages from using liquid nitrogen freezers. Moreover, this technology is eco-friendly, which helps companies and fits with the global trend of protecting the environment. Using liquid nitrogen freezers allows companies to improve production, make better products, and help protect the planet.

Fast Freezing Speed 

Liquid nitrogen is very cold, reaching temperatures as low as -196°C. This means it can freeze food in just a few minutes or even seconds. Compared to traditional freezing methods, liquid nitrogen can shorten freezing time a lot. For example, when freezing fresh fish, liquid nitrogen can bring the temperature down to -18°C in minutes, while traditional freezing takes over 30 minutes. This fast freezing stops ice crystals from forming in the food, which can damage its texture. So, food frozen with liquid nitrogen stays fresh and tastes good even after defrosting. This is great for high-end food like salmon sashimi, steaks, and desserts.

Better Food Quality and Taste 

Traditional freezing is slow, and it often creates large ice crystals inside the food, which can break cells. When the food is defrosted, the taste and nutrition can be lost. Liquid nitrogen freezing is quick and freezes both the inside and outside of food at the same time, preventing large ice crystals. This keeps the original flavor and nutrition of the food. For example, blueberries frozen with liquid nitrogen stay whole and keep their shape. When defrosted, they look and taste like fresh berries. Liquid nitrogen freezing also works well for preserving high-quality meats and seafood, like wagy and lobsters, which stay tender and tasty after defrosting.

Improves Production Efficiency and Saves Costs 

Because liquid nitrogen freezers work quickly, companies can freeze more products in the same amount of time, increasing production efficiency. For example, when freezing dumplings, traditional methods may take hours, but liquid nitrogen can do it in minutes, speeding up production. Liquid nitrogen freezers also use less energy, helping companies lower their electricity bills. They also take up less space and reduce the need for large storage areas. In frozen vegetable processing, quick freezing reduces the time vegetables need to be stored in cold rooms, saving on storage costs and lowering transportation costs.

Wide Range of Applications

Cryogenic technology is used in many areas of the food industry:

• Meat and Seafood: It works well for freezing high-value meats and seafood like steak, chicken breasts, lobsters, and shrimp. Traditional freezing can make these products lose their texture and juices when defrosted, but liquid nitrogen keeps them fresh and tender, meeting the needs of high-end markets.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables can lose their texture and color when traditionally frozen. Liquid nitrogen freezing solves this problem. For example, blueberries, mango pieces, broccoli, and peas keep their shape, color, and texture after defrosting, making them appealing to consumers.
• Baked Goods: Liquid nitrogen freezing is also used to freeze dough and pastries. For example, frozen dough made with liquid nitrogen still rises well when baked, and the bread stays soft and fresh. Pastries don't become dry or cracked after freezing, which is ideal for companies producing large batches of baked goods.
• Dairy Products: Liquid nitrogen can freeze cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products without affecting their smoothness or taste. High-quality ice cream producers use liquid nitrogen to freeze their products quickly, keeping them creamy and smooth after defrosting.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable 

Liquid nitrogen is a natural resource taken from the air, and after use, it goes back into the air without causing harm. Unlike traditional freezers that use chemicals harmful to the ozone layer, liquid nitrogen freezing does not produce dangerous gases like CFCs or HFCs. It is a more eco-friendly and sustainable option. In places like the EU and North America, where environmental rules are strict, liquid nitrogen freezers are becoming more popular due to their green benefits. They help companies reduce their carbon emissions and meet international standards for eco-friendly production.