Effects of Various Thawing Conditions on Quality Characteristics of Frozen Garlic

This study investigated the effects of thawing conditions on physiological activities and quality of peeled garlic. Peeled frozen garlic was analyzed after thawing at low temperature ($4^{\circ}C$), room temperature ($20^{\circ}C$), tap water ($20^{\circ}C$), radio frequency of 27.12 MHz, and 2.45 GHz in a microwave. As a result, the time required to thaw garlic to $0^{\circ}C$ by various thawing methods was shortest at2.45 GHz in a microwave, followed by $20^{\circ}C$ tap water, radio frequency of 27.12 MHz, $20^{\circ}C$, and $4^{\circ}C$. Microwave thawing was faster than other methods, but it resulted in significant non-uniformity of heating. The hardness of peeled garlic significantly decreased upon freeze-thawing, whereas it showed improved hardness upon radio-frequency thawing. Total color difference in garlic increased upon freeze-thawing, and it was not improved by various thawing methods. Antioxidant activities were determined for DPPH radical scavenging ability, SOD-like activity, and reducing power. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in garlic extract were measured as $3.222{\pm}0.214{\mu}g$ GAE/g and $0.149{\pm}0.03{\mu}g$ QE/g, respectively. The content of total phenolic compounds was significantly reduced by 2.45 GHz microwave thawing ($1.90{\pm}0.02{\mu}g$ GAE/g); however, flavonoid contents were slightly reduced under freezing and thawing conditions. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of garlic extracts was not affected by thawing methods; however, SOD-like activity and reducing power were slightly reduced by freeze-thawing. These results indicate that physiological activities were not improved by radio-frequency thawing; however, thawing time and maintain hardness were reduced compared with conventional thawing methods.

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