What are IQF vegetables?
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What are IQF vegetables?
IQF vegetables, or Individually Quick Frozen vegetables, are fresh vegetables that have been frozen one at a time
This method of quickly freezing helps to preserve the quality and freshness of the final product.
IQF is a powerful tool in the preservation of food, with many advantages over traditional freezing processes. Not only is the process much quicker, but individual quick freezing also means that an IQF vegetable maintains its shape, colour and flavour much better than with traditional freezing.
IQF vegetables also retain their nutritional value better than traditional frozen vegetables. IQF vegetables are a great option for those who want the convenience of frozen but don't want to sacrifice quality or taste.
Uren supplies many different types of IQF vegetables to choose from, including:
What is the IQF process?
There are two methods of IQf freezing: mechanical IQF freezers and cryogenic IQF freezers.
A mechanical IQF freezer works with a system that flows cold air from underneath the bedplate or transportation belt. Fans are used to force the cold air up through the product. The vegetables are frozen as they pass through the blast chiller.
The colder air flows through the products in circular motions as they move through the freezer toward the exit end.
This type of technology has seen many improvements over time, with manufacturers now able to freeze products more quickly and with less damage.
A cryogenic IQF freezer uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the vegetables. At very low temperatures, the products are immersed in liquid nitrogen while being moved continuously to ensure they remain separated.
This method is quick and efficient, but the use of nitrogen can mean it is more costly.
What are the benefits of IQF?
There are many benefits to IQF products. One of the biggest advantages is that it helps to preserve the quality and freshness of the food. The individual flash-freezing process helps to prevent the food from being frozen into one big clump.
When the food is frozen quickly, smaller ice crystals form. This helps to preserve the taste and texture of the food. Large ice crystals formed during slower freezing processes can damage the cell walls of the food products, which can affect the taste and texture.
IQF food items are available all year round, making them a convenient and affordable option for those who want to eat fresh, healthy foods without having to worry about wasting food.
As a result, IQF vegetables are a great option for those who want the convenience of frozen foods but don't want to sacrifice quality or taste.
What foods can be individually quick frozen?
Many types of food can be individually frozen. For example, frozen fruits such as strawberries and blueberries are great candidates for IQF, and of course, frozen peas, other vegetables such as peppers, and even herbs, fish and meat.
IQF fruit and vegetables can come in many different shapes and sizes, including diced, sliced, or whole.
Are IQF vegetables fresh?
Yes, one of the benefits of IQF technology is that the vegetables are frozen quickly while fresh.
IQF foods maintain their freshness by being frozen quickly and individually. This helps to prevent the food from being damaged and keeps the taste and texture intact, as well as maintaining nutrients.
This method helps to prevent ice crystallization from forming on the food, as ice crystals can affect the taste and texture of the food by damaging the cell wall. Ice crystals can also cause the food to freeze together into a solid block, which can lead to a loss in quality.
What is the shelf life of IQF food?
The longevity of IQF food will depend on the type of food that is frozen. However, as a general rule, an IQF vegetable can last for up to 12 months in the freezer.
IQF vegetable applications
As its popularity grows, there is no doubt that we will see more and more applications in all types of food processing and manufacturing.
This technology is being used more and more in the food industry, as manufacturers strive to provide consumers with high-quality, fresh frozen foods all year round. With its many benefits, it is easy to see why this technology is becoming so popular.
Already, IQF foods are being used in many different ways. Some of the most popular applications include:
- IQF fruits and vegetables are being used in smoothies, juices, and other drinks.
- Frozen fruit and vegetables are being used as ingredients in many processed foods and frozen meals.
- Many people are using IQF foods as a way to stock up on healthy, home-cooked meals that can be prepared quickly and easily.
- IQF foods can be found in many frozen food aisles in supermarkets.
- Convenience foods such as pizzas and pastries are often made with IQF foods.
The possibilities for IQF technology are endless, and we can only expect to see more and more innovative applications in the years to come.
Get in quote
Uren is one of the leading IQF vegetable supplies in the UK. With many years of experience in the industry, we are experts in providing high-quality, fresh IQF vegetables to our clients. We offer a range of IQF vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, corn and chickpeas.
Our supply chain is fully traceable, so you can be sure that you're getting the highest quality product.
We understand the importance of providing healthy, fresh food to our customers, and our IQF vegetables are the perfect solution. We offer quick and efficient service, with various packaging options and quick delivery available on all orders.
If you are interested in finding out more about our IQF vegetables or would like to get a quote, please get in touch. We would be happy to help.
