Chicken is a versatile and popular meat that is enjoyed around the world. When purchasing chicken, especially for food service operations like restaurants, one common form you may encounter is IQF chicken. But what exactly does IQF mean and what are the benefits of IQF chicken? This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this special freezing process.
What Does IQF Stand For?
IQF stands for “individually quick frozen.” It is a method of flash freezing food where each piece is frozen separately rather than in a block or mass.
For example, a bag of regular frozen chicken breasts would contain a solid chunk of chicken. But with IQF chicken breasts, each breast is individually frozen and loose in the bag.
How Does IQF Freezing Work?
The IQF process was invented by Clarence Birdseye in the 1920s after observing fish frozen instantly in icy waters He realized that fast freezing created smaller ice crystals that were less damaging to food
Here’s a quick explanation of how IQF freezing works:
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Food items are placed on a conveyor belt and passed through a fast freezing tunnel called a blast chiller.
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The blast chiller flash freezes the food very rapidly by blasting it with cold air.
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Freezing the items individually means they don’t freeze together in a block
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The quick freezing minimizes the size of ice crystals that form. Smaller crystals do less damage to the cell structure.
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Therefore, the quality and texture is preserved better than with slow freezing.
Common IQF Foods
Many types of foods are individually quick frozen to preserve freshness and quality. Some common IQF foods include:
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Fruits – blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, peaches
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Vegetables – peas, corn, green beans, peppers
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Seafood – shrimp, scallops, fish fillets
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Meats – chicken breasts, steaks, ground meat
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Dairy – ice cream scoops, cheese crumbles
Benefits of IQF Chicken
There are several advantages that make IQF chicken a good choice for food operations:
1. Easy portion control
- IQF items don’t clump together, allowing easy scooping of just the right portion needed. This helps reduce waste.
2. Faster thawing
- Individual pieces thaw quicker than a block of frozen chicken. This saves time in the kitchen.
3. Maintains quality
- Minimal ice crystal damage means better texture and moisture when thawed.
4. Versatile
- IQF chicken can be used in all kinds of dishes – entrees, sandwiches, salads, etc.
5. Longer shelf life
- Fast freezing restricts microbial growth better than slow freezing.
6. Convenience
- No need to portion and freeze raw chicken yourself. IQF packs make using chicken easy.
IQF Chicken vs Fresh Chicken
IQF chicken differs from fresh, unfrozen chicken in a few ways:
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Shelf life – Fresh chicken lasts just 4-5 days refrigerated while IQF chicken keeps 6-12 months frozen.
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Convenience – IQF chicken is ready to use whereas fresh needs preparation.
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Safety – No need to worry about cross-contamination from raw chicken with IQF.
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Waste – IQF allows taking just needed portions so less spoilage.
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Price – IQF chicken is often cheaper than fresh chicken.
While fresh chicken has merits like superior texture and flavor, IQF chicken offers more flexibility for many food service uses. Proper thawing and cooking helps minimize textural changes from freezing.
Different Types of IQF Chicken
IQF technology can be used on various chicken parts and products. Here are some common types of IQF chicken:
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Breast fillets – Skinless, boneless breasts. The most versatile cut.
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Tenders – Strips of breast meat, often marinated.
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Wings – Preferred for appetizers and snacks.
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Drumsticks – Offer kid-friendly fun.
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Thighs – Dark meat provides richer flavor.
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Leg quarters – Budget-friendly and ideal for braising.
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Ground chicken – Use in soups, chili, patties, etc.
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Formed patties – Shaped ground meat for convenience.
Having an assortment of IQF chicken products allows endless menu creativity!
Tips for Using IQF Chicken
Follow these tips when incorporating IQF chicken into your commercial kitchen:
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Allow chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture. Do not thaw at room temp.
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Use thawed chicken within 2 days for safety and quality.
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Bread or coat just before frying so coating doesn’t get soggy from thawing.
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Add IQF chicken at the end when making soups and stews to avoid overcooking.
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Adjust cook times since thawed meat may cook faster than fresh.
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Store any unused IQF chicken in original packaging and return to freezer immediately.
Finding a Reputable IQF Chicken Supplier
Not all IQF chicken is created equal. For reliable quality and safety:
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Choose a supplier that follows strict protocols for quickly freezing chicken.
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Make sure the processing facility is clean, sanitary, and has passed audits.
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Verify the supplier tests for pathogens and has quality control measures.
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Read reviews and inspect samples before purchasing inventory.
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Establish a relationship with rep to get assistance as needed.
Taking the time to find a trusted IQF chicken company is worth the effort for peace of mind.
The Bottom Line on IQF Chicken
Individually quick frozen chicken provides an affordable, safe, and versatile protein option for restaurants, cafeterias, caterers, and other food operations. Thanks to advanced IQF technology, each piece of frozen chicken maintains quality and nutrition better than conventional freezing. By following proper storage, thaw, and prep guidelines, IQF chicken can be an excellent addition to commercial kitchens looking to serve up delicious and cost-effective chicken dishes. Just be sure to source carefully from reputable suppliers.
Prepared Foods and Baked Goods
IQF is also used for freezing prepared meals, ready-to-eat foods, and baked goods like IQF bread rolls or IQF pastries. This allows for convenient storage and distribution while maintaining the quality and freshness of these products, making it easier for busy households or professionals to enjoy delicious, homemade-style meals without the hassle of preparation.
Benefits of IQF Technology
- IQF technology excels in maintaining the natural taste, texture, and vibrant colors of frozen foods like IQF berries, IQF seafood, and IQF vegetables, making them taste and look as fresh as the day they were frozen.
- The quick-freezing process also helps lock in essential vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients, ensuring that the food remains highly nutritious even after freezing.
- This is a significant advantage over traditional freezing methods, which can lead to nutrient loss, discoloration, and textural changes.
Valley Protein – IQF Chicken
FAQ
What is the difference between IQF and frozen?
Less Time Needed. Cold store freezing takes a lengthy amount of time to do. But IQF utilizes a freezer that has a fluidized bed, which moves the food products in a thermodynamic way. As a result, the foods are frozen to the core much quicker.
What are the disadvantages of IQF?
- Cost of IQF machine: The cost of IQF machines is not budget-friendly compared to similar capacities in other methods, such as blast freezing. …
- Increased space requirement: The IQF machine requires more space compared to freezing rooms or plate freezers.
What is IQF in chicken?
Individual quick freezing, usually abbreviated IQF, is a descriptive term for freezing methods used in the food processing industry. The food is in individual pieces, and is frozen quickly.
Is IQF healthy?
Yes, and sometimes IQF fruits are even healthier. They maintain their nutritional value better during storage, especially compared to fresh fruits that spend days in transit or at home.