For comparative purposes, a subsample of the freshly prepared raw noodles was optimally cooked (by boiling or steaming), rinsed, drained, divided into several pieces (350 g per piece), and shaped in a round container (with a thickness of about 2 cm) before being transferred to the −40 °C freezer. After 2 h at −40 °C, frozen noodle cakes were transferred to a −18 °C freezer for prolonged storage