What are IQF Fruits ?

IQF FRUITS

What is an IQF Fruit ?

IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) fruit is a revolutionary freezing technique that has transformed the food industry. The story of IQF fruits begins with the need to extend the shelf life of perishable food products and preserve their texture, flavor, and nutritional value.

In the early 20th century, traditional methods of freezing food involved slow, bulk freezing, which resulted in the formation of large ice crystals that damaged the cellular structure of the fruits. This process often resulted in a loss of taste, texture, and nutrients when the fruit was thawed.

The breakthrough came in the 1960s when an engineer named Clarence Birdseye developed a new freezing method for food. Birdseye realized that by freezing food rapidly at extremely low temperatures, he could preserve the cellular structure of the product. This led to the invention of the first quick freezing machine, which was based on the principles of the cryogenic freezing process.

IQF fruits gained popularity due to its distinct advantages. First, the individual quick freezing method allowed fruits to be frozen in pieces or individual units, preventing them from sticking together.

Second, the IQF process rapidly froze the fruits within minutes, inhibiting the formation of large ice crystals, which could damage the integrity of the product. It also contributed to the preservation of flavor, texture, and moisture content, resulting in higher-quality frozen fruit.

By freezing fruits individually, their natural shape, taste, and nutritional value were retained. This led to an increase in the availability of seasonal produce year-round and ensured consumers had access to fresh-tasting, high-quality products.

What are the main IQF Fruits ?

Some of the main IQF fruits include (you can find list of IQF fruits suppliers in your country clicking on each link) :