Properties of Calanus finmarchicus biomass during frozen storage after heat inactivation of autolytic enzymes

► Rapid postmortem autolysis occurs in the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus. ► Inactivation of enzymes by heat treatment and effect on long time frozen storage was studied. ► Instant heating (72 °C) and 5 min holding time inactivated autolytic enzymes. ► Heat treatment resulted in a stable product after 12 months frozen storage. ► Autolytic enzymes degrade phospholipids during frozen storage of untreated biomass.