How long can lychee be frozen for storage

Litchi can generally be stored for 1-3 months during freezing, and the actual storage time is affected by factors such as freezing temperature, fruit maturity, pretreatment method, packaging sealing, and thawing frequency.

1. Freezing Temperature

The temperature in the freezer compartment of a household refrigerator is usually around minus 18 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, lychee cell activity basically stops, which can delay decay and deterioration. If the freezing temperature is unstable or above minus 12 degrees Celsius, the repeated formation of ice crystals will damage the structure of the fruit pulp, resulting in a shortened shelf life of less than one month. Industrial quick freezing equipment can reach temperatures below minus 30 degrees Celsius, and its shelf life can be extended to six months.

2. Fruit Maturity

Choose lychee that is eight ripe and has just turned red in skin for optimal freezing. The overripe lychee flesh is soft and rotten, and it is easy to release water after freezing; Immature lychee lacks sweetness and has a sour and astringent taste after thawing. Freezing whole branches is more effective in maintaining moisture than single fruit preservation, and the branches should be wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent frostbite.

3. Pre treatment method

Before freezing, soak in salt water for 10 minutes to sterilize, drain and remove surface moisture. To remove the stone fruit meat, soak it in lemon juice or vitamin C solution to prevent oxidation and blackening. Freezing the whole fruit can retain more juice, but attention should be paid to the fact that the fruit core is easily broken at low temperatures when consuming.

4. Packaging Sealing

It is recommended to use vacuum sealed bags or double-layer fresh-keeping bags for packaging, and seal the bag tightly after removing the air inside the bag. It is advisable to consume the same amount per bag to avoid repeated thawing. Improper packaging can cause frostbite and odor, and the shelf life may be shortened by half.

V. Thawing Times

Litchi should be consumed within 24 hours after thawing and should not be frozen again. Low temperature thawing in a microwave can damage the cell wall. It is recommended to thaw slowly in a refrigerator for 4-6 hours. It is normal for juice to seep out after thawing, but if there is a smell of alcohol or mucus, it indicates that it has spoiled.

Frozen lychee is suitable for making smoothies, desserts, or eating directly, with less nutrient loss but slightly inferior taste to fresh lychee. Suggest marking the date when freezing and regularly checking the temperature of the refrigerator. Patients with diabetes need to control the consumption, and those with weak gastrointestinal function should avoid eating frozen litchi on an empty stomach. If black spots are found on the fruit shell or the flesh turns yellow, it should be immediately discarded and not eaten.