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What causes freezer burn on frozen foods?
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frozen meal
Depositing of prepared meals in trays prior to freezing.
Freezer burn on frozen foods is caused by surface dehydration that occurs when food is inadequately wrapped or packaged.12
When food is exposed to the air inside a freezer, moisture on the surface of the food undergoes sublimation, transitioning directly from a solid ice state to a gaseous vapor state without becoming liquid. This process results in the drying out of the food's surface, which manifests as light-colored or brownish, paper-like spots.312
To minimize or prevent freezer burn, it is essential to use tightly sealed packaging to prevent moisture loss and to maintain a consistent storage temperature, as fluctuating temperatures can accelerate these quality changes.2