HOW LONG CAN FROZEN FRUITS BE STORED?

Frozen fruit is a product that has been around for a long time, helping to preserve the flavor and nutritional value of fresh fruit. However, how long can frozen fruit be stored? What are the methods of freezing fruit?

Methods of producing frozen fruit

Conventional freezing using a freezer

This method typically uses household freezers or cold storage with temperatures ranging from -18°C to -25°C. However, the freezing process is quite slow, which can lead to the formation of large ice crystals that affect the quality and structure of the fruit, resulting in a reduced shelf life and a decline in product quality when thawed.

Freezing using IQF technology (Individual Quick Freezing)

IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) is an advanced technology that quickly freezes fruits at temperatures of -40°C or lower.

This method helps preserve the color, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the fruit, while preventing the formation of large ice crystals. Fruit frozen using IQF technology has a significantly longer shelf life compared to conventional freezing methods.

Freezing Temperature	Technology / Freezing Method	Impact on Storage
-18°C ~ -25°C	Conventional freezing (freezer, cold storage)	Shorter storage time, freshness not as good as IQF. Prone to large ice crystal formation, reducing product quality.
-40°C and below	Quick freezing (IQF – Individual Quick Freezing)	Preserves color, aroma, taste, and texture. Does not clump together. Storage time is 1.5 to 2 times longer.

Storage time of 10 typical fruits according to freezing methods.

Fruit	Common Freezing Form	Storage Time (freezer -18°C to -25°C)	Storage Time (IQF, -40°C)
Durian	Segments, whole segments, whole fruit	12 months	24 months
Pineapple	Chunks, slices, pureed	10 – 12 months	18 – 24 months
Mango	Chunks, slices, pureed	10 – 12 months	18 – 24 months
Dragon Fruit	Whole fruit, slices, skewered	8 – 10 months	18 – 24 months
Avocado	Halved, pureed	6 – 9 months	12 – 24 months
Guava	Whole fruit, sliced, halved, sliced	6 – 9 months	12 – 24 months
Banana	Slices, pureed, halved, whole fruit	6 – 8 months	12 – 24 months
Watermelon	Diced, pureed	6 months	12-24 months
Papaya	Diced, slices, pureed	6 – 8 months	12 – 24 months
Passion Fruit	Juice, halved, quartered	12 months	18 – 24 months

(*) Note: Depending on the type of fruit, the freezing technology used, the cutting form, and whether the packaging meets the standards, the storage time may vary.

Hung Hau Foods’ frozen fruits have a storage time of up to 24 months.

• Hùng Hậu Foods is a leading producer, processor, and exporter of agricultural products in Vietnam. We are proud to own advanced IQF technology, with a factory equipped with modern machinery, ensuring a quick and efficient freezing process.
• Hùng Hậu Foods’ frozen fruit products are stored under ideal conditions, ensuring a storage time of up to 24 months while maintaining the original fresh flavor and quality.
• As a reputable exporter of Vietnamese frozen fruit, Hùng Hậu Foods is committed to providing high-quality products that meet international food safety standards.

Other factors affecting the storage time of frozen fruit

In addition to the freezing method, there are many factors that affect the storage time of frozen fruit. Key factors include:

Storage temperature:
The lower the temperature, the longer the storage time. Freezers should maintain a stable temperature of -18°C or lower to limit the growth of bacteria and enzymes.

Type of fruit:
Each type of fruit and agricultural product has a different structure and water content, which affects how well it retains its quality after freezing. For example, bananas tend to become mushier compared to mangoes or taro.

Ripeness of fruit before freezing:
Fruits that are frozen when just ripe will last longer and maintain better taste than those that are overripe.

Packaging and packing method:
Sealed, airtight, and moisture-proof packaging helps prevent freezer burn—a condition where the fruit loses moisture, becoming dry and discolored. Vacuum sealing or using high-quality zip bags is a good choice for preserving frozen fruit or agricultural products.

Time between harvest and freezing:
The quicker the fruit is frozen after harvesting, the better its quality will be preserved. This is related to the pre-processing steps and the initial freezing speed.

Frequency of freezer opening:
If the freezer is frequently opened and closed, temperature fluctuations can affect the quality and storage time of the fruit.

The storage time of frozen fruit is influenced by several factors, with freezing technology playing a key role. In addition, storage temperature, type of fruit, ripeness at the time of freezing, packaging, and the frequency of opening the freezer also contribute to the durability and quality of the product throughout the storage process.

In this context, adopting advanced freezing technologies such as IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) is becoming an inevitable trend. Compared to traditional freezing methods, IQF significantly extends storage time while preserving the shape, color, and nutritional value of the fruit.

In Southeast Asia, many agricultural export companies, including Hung Hau Foods, are actively investing in advanced freezing technologies to meet the strict standards of international markets and enhance competitiveness in the global supply chain.

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