Liquid nitrogen quick freezer optimization for preserving litchi fruit quality

Faculty Agriculture Year: 2025
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: International Journal of Refrigeration Elsevier Volume:
Keywords : Liquid nitrogen quick freezer optimization , preserving    
Abstract:
This study optimized a liquid nitrogen quick freezer for litchi fruit to mitigate peel cracking, reduce freezing time, and preserve fruit quality after thawing. Using a Taguchi L9 array design, the effects of freezer temperature (-60, -50, and -40 °C), nitrogen spraying nozzle type (Hollow-cone, Full-cone, and Flood), and air distributing fan speed (800, 1000, and 1200 rpm) on freezing time and fruit quality were investigated. After freezing to a core temperature of -18 °C, the frozen litchis were inspected for outer peel cracks, and the freezing time was calculated. The frozen litchis were stored in the refrigerator for 30 days, after which the fruit samples were thawed using a gradient thawing method (-18: 5: 4 °C) and then subjected to quality analysis. The optimal freezing conditions were achieved using a freezer temperature of -50 °C and a fan speed of 1200 rpm, with full-cone nozzles, which resulted in zero cracks, minimal freezing time, and improved quality preservation. While all frozen-thawed fruits showed some quality degradation compared to fresh fruits, the optimized freezing parameters better preserved >96 % of fresh color, 52.38 % of the weight loss, 34.75 % Vitamin C (Vc), 30 % hardness, and 23.16 % Total soluble solids (TSS) compared to suboptimal conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for food freezing research and industry, preventing peel cracking, saving time and cost, and preserving fruit quality.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Mohamed Anwar Mahmoud Abdeen, "Longitudinal Axial Flow Rice Thresher Performance Optimization Using the Taguchi Technique", MDPI, 2021 More
  • Mohamed Anwar Mahmoud Abdeen, "Longitudinal axial flow rice thresher feeding rate monitoring based on force sensing resistors", Nature, 2022 More
  • Mohamed Anwar Mahmoud Abdeen, "Development of the high clearance wheel-type ratoon rice harvester", International Agricultural Engineering Journal11, 2020 More
  • Mohamed Anwar Mahmoud Abdeen, "effect of some engineering parameters on mechanical watermelon seeds extraction", كلية الزراعة, 2014 More
  • Mohamed Anwar Mahmoud Abdeen, "The Impact of Threshing Unit Structure and Parameters on Enhancing Rice Threshing Performance", springer Nature, 2025 More

Department Related Publications

  • Moheb Mohamed Anis Mohamed Elsharabasy, "MANUFACTURE A SOLAR DRYER FOR DRYING SOME AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS", Misr Society Of Agricultural Engineering, 2012 More
  • Moheb Mohamed Anis Mohamed Elsharabasy, "DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF GARLIC-CLOVES PLANTER", Misr Society Of Agricultural Engineering, 2012 More
  • Moheb Mohamed Anis Mohamed Elsharabasy, "DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS OF A COMBINATION MACHINE FOR CHOPPING AND MILLING ARUNDO DONAX (PART I)", Misr Society Of Agricultural Engineering, 2014 More
  • Moheb Mohamed Anis Mohamed Elsharabasy, "TOTAL GRAIN LOSSES, ENERGY AND COST REQUIREMENTS FOR HARVESTING RICE CROP MECHANICALLY IN DELTA EGYPT", Misr Society Of Agricultural Engineering, 2007 More
  • Mahmoud Khatab Affifi Khatab, "Fabrication and manufacture of a sod cutting machine for maximum efficiency and minimum energy", مصر, 2003 More
Tweet