Abstract:Ultrasound-assisted freezing (UAF) technology is commonly used in the freezing preservation of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). In order to improve the quality of frozen large yellow croaker, this study introduced orthogonal mode on the basis of UAF. A novel technique of Triple-frequency orthogonal ultrasound assisted freezing (TOUAF) was developed. In order to explore the effects of different power TOUAF on the quality of frozen large yellow croaker, the thawing loss, water retention, low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chromatic difference, texture properties, TBA, protein solubility and surface hydrophobicity were measured after TOUAF treatment with different powers (160 W, 175 W, 190 W, 205 W). The results showed that TOUAF-175 could significantly increase water retention (79.450%±1.571%), reduce thawing loss (2.343%±0.044%) and water migration. The low TBA value of TOUAF-175 [(0.108±0.014) mg MDA/kg] indicated that TOUAF-175 effectively inhibited lipid oxidation. At the same time, TOUAF-175 has better effects than other power groups in terms of color difference, texture properties, improving protein solubility and reducing surface hydrophobicity. However, the quality of the frozen samples in the treatment group with higher power decreased due to the release of latent heat and mechanical damage to the frozen samples. The study showed that proper power of TOUAF could effectively reduce the damage of frozen fish tissue and improve the quality of frozen large yellow croaker. TOUAF-175 is an effective method to promote the freezing process and improve the quality of frozen large yellow croaker.