The aim of this work was to determine the freezing point (Tf) of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish burger
using the cooling curve and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. Cooling curves were
obtained for two household refrigerators, a freezer with no quick freeze function and another one
equipped with a quick freeze compartment. Freezing point, freezing time and freezing rates were determined
from the cooling curves. The freezers showed slow freezing rates ranging from 0.10 to 0.40 cm/h.
The quick freeze function improved the freezing process, as it significantly reduced the freezing times by
significantly increasing freezing rates. Tf of the tilapia fish burger was (2.7 ± 0.1) C and no significant
difference between freezing rates and the DSC method was observed. This investigation demonstrated
that the cooling curve method using a simple experimental apparatus and domestic refrigerators can
be used to measure freezing point of high moisture foods.