Reducing flavor loss in precooked beef: The critical role of freezing processes

Flavor loss is a pain point during prepared dishes processing. As a key step during processing, the potential role of freezing in flavor regulation is less known. Hence, the aim of present study was to investigate how freezing affects flavor quality. In this work, simplify processing models of beef was established to describe the effects of different freezing methods—slow (SF), quick (QF), and liquid nitrogen (LNF) freezing—on the flavor retention of precooked beef. The results demonstrate that freezing rate exerts a significant in flavor loss, and high freezing rate (QF and LNF) can reduce key differential compounds (1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentylfuran, and nonanal) changing effectively. The correlation analysis further suggested that QF might strike a balance between forming smaller ice crystals and minimizing protein damage to the best flavor retention. These findings open new avenues of research to emphasizes the role of optimizing freezing processes in prepared dishes industrial production. • Freezing rate is critical for maintaining the flavor profile of precooked beef. • Quick freezing (−80 °C) is most optimal freezing method for precooked beef. • QF achieved an optimal balance between protein-flavor interactions. • Protein maybe the essential factor for flavor retention.