FROSTS
John T Lonsdale (Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:27:28 PST)

The size and shape of ice crystals is directly related to the amount of
damage they cause, particularly in disrupting cellular organelles like
membranes. Their size/shape is affected by the rate of freezing, among
other parameters. Rapid and multiple freeze-thaw cycles are very bad for
all living cells. Minimizing the number of freeze-thaw cycles and allowing
controlled thawing make a big difference - cells can repair a certain amount
of damage, but not rapidly and constantly.

I think of frost as the white stuff that coats things but isn't ice or snow.
Freezing is a descriptor of temperature - i.e. a temperature below the
freezing point of whatever the material is. You can freeze without
encountering frost.

Best,

J.

John T Lonsdale PhD
407 Edgewood Drive,
Exton, Pennsylvania 19341, USA

Home: 610 594 9232
Cell: 484 678 9856
Fax: 801 327 1266

Visit "Edgewood" - The Lonsdale Garden at http://www.edgewoodgardens.net/

USDA Zone 6b