Freezing foods slowly or fast can impact cell membranes differently. Slow freezing leads to larger ice crystals that damage membranes more, while fast freezing leads to smaller ice crystals and less damage. How foods are frozen and thawed also matters - fast freezing and thawing limits the time for cells to reabsorb water after thawing. Proper packaging helps prevent freezer burn by maintaining moisture. Cold shortening of meat can occur if temperatures are too low during rigor mortis, preventing actin and myosin from linking properly. Stimulation or slower cooling can help remedy this.