IQF tunnels are becoming increasingly popular for food processing companies and commercial kitchens that are looking for a way to keep their frozen foods as fresh as possible. IQF stands for "Individual Quick Freezing" and it is a method of freezing food in a very short amount of time that helps to preserve its freshness and quality. IQF tunnels provide a variety of benefits, including the ability to freeze large quantities of food quickly and efficiently, maintain product integrity, and extend shelf life. In this blog, we will explore how IQF tunnels help to keep frozen foods fresher longer and the advantages of using this technology in the food processing industry.
Image from: Genemco
Image from: Genemco
IQF tunnels work by using a combination of circulating air, temperature control, and a conveyor system to quickly freeze individual pieces of food. This method ensures that the food is frozen at an even rate and that the temperature of the food remains constant, which helps to keep the food as fresh as possible. The quick freezing process also helps to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the food’s cellular structure and reduce its nutritional value.
In addition to preserving the quality of the food, IQF tunnels also help to extend the shelf life of frozen foods. By freezing food quickly, the food is less likely to suffer from freezer burn or other forms of spoilage. This helps to reduce waste and save money for food processing companies and commercial kitchens. The use of IQF tunnels can also help to reduce labor costs, as the entire process is automated and requires minimal human intervention.
IQF tunnels are also beneficial for food safety. By quickly freezing food, it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food-borne illnesses. This is especially important for food processing companies and commercial kitchens that need to ensure that their products are safe for consumption.
Image from: Genemco
Image from: Genemco
New IQF tunnels come with a hefty price tag and lead times of up to a year. Another option that is both beneficial for your budget and your time is shopping preowned from Genemco. Genemco is a leader in the used food processing and industrial refrigeration equipment industry. In fact, they house the largest inventory of used ammonia refrigeration equipment in the world! Genemco equipment is available to ship as early as the next business and they ship globally. Genmco is conveniently located in Texas just 2 hours from Houston which has one of the largest shipping ports in the US.
IQF tunnels are becoming increasingly popular in the food processing industry due to the numerous benefits they provide. Not only do they help to preserve the quality and nutrition of frozen foods, but they also help to reduce labor costs and extend shelf life. IQF tunnels are expensive but can be purchased preowned potentially saving your operation hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, they are beneficial for food safety, as they help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food-borne illnesses.
Image from: Genemco
Image from: Genemco
