Effect of Thawing Rate on the Exudate Production of Frozen Beef

The effect of thawing rate on the amount of exudate produced was analyzed. Increments of the thawing time (reduction of the thawing rate) led to a decrease of exudate production. The results obtained by measuring the exudate volume produced at different times after thawing and histological experiences suggested that exudate production was a consequence of the incomplete reabsorption of the extracellular water. A heat transfer model with simultaneous thawing was used for calculating the operating conditions leading to low exudate production.