Effects of Frozen Storage on the Ultrastructure of Bovine Muscle

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were carried out on bovine semitendinosus samples that were subjected both to long-term frozen storage and to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Samples frozen at –18°C and stored up to 26 wk showed essentially no change in muscle ultrastructure. Samples frozen at liquid nitrogen temperature and stored at 2–3°C did show ice crystal damage within the muscle fiber. Repeated freeze-thaw produced essentially no change in muscle ultrastructure.