In recent years, frozen semi-finished products have revolutionized the work of cafés, pastry shops, and outlets offering breakfasts, sweet, and savory snacks. However, to get the most out of a frozen product—in terms of fragrance, presentation, and flavor—it’s essential to follow a few simple yet strategic rules in daily management.
In this article, we’d like to share the key operational tips for enhancing our croissants, puff pastry, and rustic pastries, from the freezer to your business’s display case.
1. Conservation: quality starts from the cold
The first step to ensuring an excellent product is proper storage in cold storage at a constant temperature of -18°C.
Practical tips:
– Never interrupt the cold chain.
– Avoid opening the freezer for extended periods.
– Do not overload the freezer: cold air must circulate freely.
2. Thawing: the art of patience
Properly defrosting products is essential to ensure even cooking and good leavening for unleavened products.
– For raw products requiring leavening, thaw in the refrigerator between 4°C and 6°C for a few hours (or overnight).
– For already leavened or pre-cooked products, simply defrost at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
3. Cooking: every oven has its secret
Each product has an ideal cooking temperature and time, but each oven also has its own characteristics. It’s important to do some initial testing and note the optimal settings. Helpful tips:
– Cook in a conventional or convection oven, depending on the product.
– Avoid opening the oven frequently during cooking.
– Let cool on ventilated racks to avoid condensation on the base.
4. Display: a good one sells (but only if it’s well-maintained)
The sell tray is crucial: it’s the first visual impact on the end customer.
Here are some practical tips:
– Use well-lit and clean windows.
– Arrange products neatly, without overlapping them.
– Use tags or small chalkboards to highlight flavors and new products.
– Rotate products throughout the day to maintain an inviting appearance.
5. The plus: customization and service
Your customers love variety and attention to detail. Offering a personalized service can make all the difference.
Ideas to stand out:
– Fill croissants freshly with different fillings.
– Offer vegan or whole-grain options.
– Offer a “breakfast combo” with a drink included.
Frozen is synonymous with quality
Frozen baked goods offer the perfect balance of convenience, versatility, and freshness, but require attention and professionalism in their management. By applying these simple measures, every café or pastry shop can offer its customers an impeccable tasting experience, day after day.
Igloo, designed for those who work, loved by those who taste
Whether you’re a barista with limited time or a pastry chef looking for a perfect base to customize, our croissants are designed to simplify your daily work without compromising on quality.
An Igloo croissant isn’t just good: it’s reliable, quick to prepare, and delivers consistent results. Just what breakfast professionals expect.
If you’re curious to see how we make our products, here’s a video that takes us directly into the lab, where we can see a production process that’s only partially automated and relies on the support and expertise of our pastry chefs.
Do you have questions about our production process? Want to learn more about our croissant lines or request a sample? Contact us, we’ll be happy to help!
