How is nitrous oxide used to keep the food?

How is N2O used in Food storage

1. Rapid Freezing:
Nitrous oxide has a very low boiling point (-88.5°C), which allows it to absorb heat quickly and lower temperatures rapidly. This property makes it an excellent freezing agent that helps to preserve the freshness and nutritional content of food by freezing it quickly.

2. Fermentation and Maturation:
In the fermentation and maturation processes of bread, wine, and dairy products, N2O can influence the metabolism of microorganisms and enzymes, accelerating these processes and enhancing product quality.

3. Sterilization:
The low temperatures achievable with N2O can quickly kill microorganisms, making it useful for surface sterilization of meats, seafood, and baked goods, thereby extending their shelf life and improving their hygiene and safety.

4. Extended Food Life:
N2O's bactericidal and preservative effects can extend the shelf life of canned foods such as pickled seafood, confectionery, beverages, and frozen foods, making them safer and more durable.

5. Improved Texture and Taste:
N2O can create a uniform dispersion in mixtures, leading to better taste and quality, especially in the production of high-quality frozen foods like ice cream and creating a softer and smoother texture in chocolate truffles.

6. Fizz Effect:
Injecting N2O into beverages can create a special taste and mouthfeel, providing a novel experience, as seen in carbonated drinks and beers.

7. Antioxidant Effects:
N2O treatment can reduce oxidation in fruits and vegetables during storage, lowering the levels of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide, and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus extending the preservation period of fruits and vegetables.

8. Chilling Injury Reduction:
N2O treatment can mitigate chilling injury in fruits and vegetables during low-temperature storage, reducing physiological damage caused by cold stress.

9. Preservation of Original Food Characteristics:
N2O, being an inert gas, can isolate air and directly inhibit bacterial growth and reproduction, slowing down the metabolic processes of food cells, effectively extending the preservation time while maintaining the original nutrition, texture, color, and taste of the food.

10. Safety and Environmental Friendliness:
N2O preservation does not involve adding preservatives, and it is free from acidification, temperature changes, and radiation, making it safe, environmentally friendly, and pollution-free.

How do you store whipped cream？

1. Refrigeration: Store whipped cream in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 4°C (35°F and 39°F) to slow down bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

2. Airtight Storage: Use an airtight container, preferably glass, to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing odors and to keep it fresh. Press plastic wrap against the surface of the cream before sealing to prevent a skin from forming.

3. Immediate Storage: Refrigerate whipped cream as soon as possible after whipping to preserve its quality and texture.

4. Use Within Timeframe: For best results, use homemade whipped cream within 1-2 days. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing, but be aware that the texture may change upon thawing.

What's the best container for storing whipped cream?

1. Airtight Containers: Opt for airtight containers, such as glass jars with screw-top lids or plastic containers with secure seals. These help keep oxygen out and preserve the whipped cream’s texture and flavor .

2. Glass Jars: Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are excellent for storing whipped cream. They are non-reactive, won’t absorb odors or flavors, and provide a solid seal to keep the cream fresh .

3. Plastic Containers: If using plastic containers, ensure they are food-grade and have a tight-sealing lid. Choose containers that are BPA-free and won’t leach chemicals into your whipped cream .

4. Stainless Steel Bowls: Stainless steel bowls with airtight lids can also be used for storing whipped cream. They are durable, non-reactive, and easy to clean .

Regardless of the container you choose, ensure that it is clean, dry, and completely airtight. This will prevent air, odors, and moisture from seeping in and affecting the quality of the whipped cream .

Reference

1.  "Chapter 8". AR5 Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. pp. 677–678.

2. ^ "Nitrous oxide emissions pose an increasing climate threat, study finds". phys.org. Retrieved 9 November 2020.

3. ^ Mundschenk S (3 August 2022). "The Netherlands is showing how not to tackle climate change | The Spectator". www.spectator.co.uk. Retrieved 28 August 2022.