Estimation of freezing storage time and quality changes in hake (Merluccius merluccius, L.) by low field NMR

► We examine LF NMR as a fast technique to estimate the quality of −10 °C frozen hake. ► LF NMR detects changes in 3 water pools during storage related to WHC, apparent viscosity and shear stress. ► The population of water with higher relaxation times seemed to be directly related to WHC. ► Two mathematical models support the suitability of LFNMR to evaluate frozen hake quality.