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Does temperature affect the performance or results achieved using the Freshness Meter? |
Question
Does temperature affect the performance or results achieved using the Freshness Meter?
Answer
Within the overall measurement limits of 0 - 10°C, provided that the Fish or Fish Fillets being measured with the Freshness Meter contains no ice crystals, temperature should have no significant effect. Where the Fish or Fish Fillets have been previously frozen or contain ice crystals, the Freshness Meter will display a very low value (normally between 1 and 4). This is because the act of freezing the fish disrupts its cell structure which affects the capacitance and conductivity within its flesh, similarly to the cellular breakdown caused by bacteriological activity. This low value, displayed by the meter, infers that the change in conductivity is spoilage.
Of course, where the fish has indeed been frozen, the fish looks very fresh and of high quality, and is not normally spoiled or smelly. The Freshness Meter serves as a useful quality check for fish buyers as the shelf life of previously frozen fish is significantly lower than that of fish which have been stored properly at or slightly above 0° C since being caught.
- We have found that Fish and Fish Fillets down to – 2° C normally do not contain ice crystals and can be measured as normal.
- We have also found that Fish or Fish Fillets, stored at or above 10° C can suffer moisture loss and create a variance from the Natural Fish State.
For consistent, wholly accurate results, the operator should ensure that the Fish or Fish Fillets are measured at the same ambient temperature on a daily basis within a temperature range of 0 – 10° C.
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