FREEZE-THAW DAMAGE TO PROTOPLASMIC STRUCTURE IN HIGH MOISTURE, EDIBLE PLANT TISSUES

Three high moisture plant tissues, whose textural response to freeze-thawing differs noticeably, were studied ultrastructurally before and after controlled freeze-thaw regimes. Fine structural components of the protoplasm were usually disrupted extensively, although to varying degrees, depending on tissue type and freeze-thaw conditions. Possible reasons for the apparent protection in some of the material studied are discussed. It is concluded that protoplasmic structure probably plays an insignificant role in influencing the textural properties of high moisture, frozen-thawed plant tissues.