3.2. Control of size and shape of the ice crystals
The size and size distribution of ice crystals are important parameters in frozen foods and a number of studies have been carried out on these aspects [25], [26] and [29]. In general, smaller size and even distribution of ice crystals within frozen samples are desired since they can benefit the quality of frozen foods [6]. Conversely, relatively large and vertical ice crystals are preferred in freeze drying process as large crystals favor fast sublimation [42]. As mentioned above, power ultrasound is able to induce nucleation at higher temperature during freezing process. This effect can be utilized to control the size and distribution of ice crystals in frozen foods. The freezing process consists of nucleation and crystal growth, both of which depend on the degree of supercooling. However, nucleation and crystal growth rates behave differently when the degree of supercooling increases [21]. As shown in Fig. 5, when power ultrasound is applied within a freezing point temperature range up to point N, crystal growth is dominant in the entire freezing process and only a limited number of nuclei will be formed. On the other hand, if power ultrasound is applied when the system temperature is below point N, many nucleus will be formed and they will grow only to a limited size [21].